Creamy Garlic Pasta with Parsley

Last autumn, when the evenings turned crisp and I needed something cozy, I found myself making this creamy garlic pasta almost weekly. The sound of butter sizzling with garlic became my apartment's signature soundtrack as October rain tapped against the windows. There's something magical about how just a handful of simple ingredients transform into something so luxuriously satisfying.

I made this for my friend Elise who claimed she never liked cream sauces, but I caught her running her finger along the empty plate to catch the last traces. We sat at my tiny kitchen table talking for hours after, the empty pasta bowl between us as evening turned to night, both agreeing that the simplest dishes often create the best memories.

Ingredients

• Fettuccine or spaghetti: I prefer using a long pasta that can really hold onto the velvety sauce, giving you that perfect twirl on your fork.
• Garlic: Six cloves might sound excessive but trust me, the cream mellows the intensity while preserving that beautiful aromatic quality.
• Heavy cream: This creates the luxurious foundation of our sauce, so this is one place where I dont recommend substitutions unless absolutely necessary.
• Parmesan cheese: Always grate it fresh if possible, the pre-grated stuff contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
• Fresh parsley: More than just a garnish, it cuts through the richness with its bright, peppery notes.

Instructions

Cook the pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add a generous pinch of salt, then add your pasta. That reserved pasta water is liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency later.

Start the sauce:

While your pasta cooks, melt butter and olive oil in a skillet until it shimmers, then add your minced garlic. Your kitchen will suddenly fill with an aroma that will make anyone nearby drift toward the stove.

Create the cream base:

Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently bubble away for a couple of minutes. Watch how it transforms from pure white to a slightly golden hue as it reduces.

Add the cheese:

Stir in your freshly grated Parmesan and seasonings until everything melts into a smooth, velvety consistency. The nutmeg is subtle but adds a wonderful warmth that youll miss if you skip it.

Combine with pasta:

Add your drained pasta directly to the sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat each strand. If it seems too thick, add splashes of that reserved pasta water until it reaches silky perfection.

Finish with freshness:

Off the heat, stir in that vibrant parsley, watching as flecks of green brighten the creamy canvas. This last-minute addition keeps its flavor and color intact.

Save

I still remember serving this pasta when my sister visited after a particularly difficult breakup. We didnt talk much that evening, but I noticed how with each twirl of her fork, her shoulders relaxed a little more. By the time we finished eating, she was smiling again, proof that sometimes comfort comes in the form of pasta coated in a silky garlic sauce.

Customizing Your Pasta

Over dozens of times making this dish, Ive learned its incredibly adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms when I want something heartier, or toss in peas for a pop of sweetness and color. Once I accidentally spilled too much red pepper flake into the garlic butter, and discovered that the slight heat actually balances the richness beautifully.

Making It Ahead

While this pasta is at its absolute best served immediately, real life sometimes interferes with ideal cooking scenarios. If you need to prepare components ahead, the sauce can be made earlier in the day and gently reheated with a splash of cream or pasta water to revive it. Just wait until the very last moment to add that fresh parsley, as its vibrancy is what brings the whole dish to life.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this creamy garlic pasta as the star of the meal, but it also pairs beautifully with simple proteins like a piece of seared fish or roast chicken. The elegant simplicity makes it versatile enough for both weeknight dinners and special occasions when you want something impressive without hours in the kitchen.

• A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette makes the perfect counterpoint to the rich creaminess of the pasta.
• Pour a glass of Pinot Grigio or other crisp white wine to cut through the richness and cleanse your palate between bites.
• Warm crusty bread on the side is never a mistake, especially for catching any sauce that might otherwise be left behind.

Save

This creamy garlic pasta has become my go-to recipe when I need a reminder that good cooking doesnt need to be complicated. Sometimes the most meaningful dishes are the ones that require nothing more than attention and care.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a lighter cream substitute?

Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version. The sauce will be less rich but still creamy and delicious.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Fettuccine and spaghetti are ideal for coating with cream sauce. Pappardelle or linguine also work well. Avoid small shapes like penne, which don't capture the sauce as effectively.

→ How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Mince the garlic finely and keep the heat at medium. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but still pale. Brown garlic becomes bitter and overpowers the dish.

→ What if my sauce is too thick?

Add the reserved pasta water gradually, a tablespoon at a time, while stirring. The starch in the water helps the sauce coat the pasta while thinning it to the right consistency.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or fresh spinach blend beautifully with the cream sauce. Add them just before tossing with the pasta.

→ Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this dish is fully vegetarian. All ingredients are plant-derived or dairy-based. Ensure your pasta is egg-free if you have additional dietary requirements.