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Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta Delight

Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy garlic butter pasta recipe that delivers rich, buttery, and garlicky comfort food perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine or linguine preferred)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Lower heat to medium-low and pour in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream. Stir to combine, letting it warm through for about 2 minutes.
  4. Add 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes. If sauce gets too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat every strand in the creamy sauce. Add the remaining 2 tbsp butter and stir until melted and glossy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Give everything one last gentle toss.
  7. Serve immediately, optionally with extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

Keep an eye on the garlic to avoid burning. If the sauce separates, add a splash of pasta water and whisk off heat to bring it back together. Stir gently but thoroughly to maintain silky texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic butter pasta, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, quick dinner, garlic pasta, buttery pasta, fettuccine recipe