Creamy Garlic Pasta

Creamy Garlic Pasta is your ticket to restaurant-quality indulgence in record time! Featuring al dente linguine coated in a luxuriously smooth garlic-parmesan sauce, it’s the ultimate quick-fix meal that tastes anything but rushed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Lightning-fast: Ready faster than takeout (just 15 minutes!).
• Pantry-friendly: Simple ingredients with big flavor payoff.
• Customizable base: Perfect as-is or easily dressed up with proteins/veggies.
• Creamy without heaviness: The sauce clings beautifully without feeling overly rich.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta (linguine recommended)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon flour
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Cook Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
2. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 30 seconds to make a roux (don’t let it brown).
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 1 minute.
5. Reduce heat to low. Slowly whisk in heavy cream until smooth.

Step 3: Combine & Finish

1. Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in sauce.
2. Sprinkle in parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and creamy (1-2 minutes).
3. If needed, add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time to loosen sauce.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve

1. Divide among bowls and garnish with parsley and extra parmesan if desired.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Garlic hack: Use a microplane for superfine minced garlic that melts into the sauce.
• Protein boost: Add sautéed shrimp, chicken, or mushrooms with the garlic.
• Lighter option: Substitute half the cream with whole milk (simmer longer to thicken).
• Gluten-free: Use GF pasta and cornstarch instead of flour.

6. Serving Suggestions

Pair with:

• Crispy garlic bread
• Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted cherry tomatoes (toss in during last 2 minutes)

7. Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Add splash of cream or broth when rewarming on low heat.
• Freezing: Not recommended (cream sauces may separate).

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of cream?
A: Yes, but sauce will be thinner. Simmer longer or add 1/2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water.

Why is my sauce grainy?
A: Cheese was added to too-hot liquid. Remove from heat before stirring in parmesan.

How spicy is this?
A: Not at all! For heat, add red pepper flakes with the garlic.

Conclusion

This 15-Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta proves gourmet flavors don’t require hours in the kitchen. With its velvety sauce and garlicky punch, it’s guaranteed to become a weeknight superstar!

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