How to Make the Perfect Creamy Garlic Pasta
Italian · Easy · 20 minutes min · 4 servings

A rich and creamy pasta dish that can be prepared in under 20 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This Creamy Garlic Pasta recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 450 calories with 15g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 11 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Step 2: Make Sauce
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Cream and Cheese
Pour in heavy cream and add parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain pasta and add to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Add salt, pepper, and basil. Serve with fresh parsley on top.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- heavy cream → coconut cream
- parmesan cheese → nutritional yeast
- penne pasta → zucchini noodles
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy.
- Not using enough salt in the water can lead to bland pasta.
- Being careless with heat can burn the garlic.
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 450 calories, 15g protein, 60g carbs, 20g fat, 3g fiber.
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