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← BlogJune 30, 2026
SK
Su Kumar · DishBloom Editor

How to Make the Perfect Creamy Garlic Pasta

Italian · Easy · 20 minutes min · 4 servings

Vegetarian
Creamy Garlic Pasta

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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