How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta: A Quick & Easy Recipe

Looking for a delicious and comforting meal? Try our Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta recipe! This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or even as a weekend treat.

Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta combines the rich flavor of garlic with creamy cheese, making it both indulgent and satisfying. The cooking time for this pasta dish is approximately 25 minutes, and it serves 4 generous portions. Get ready to enjoy every bite!

Ingredients

8 ounces (227g) of your favorite pasta variety
2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced finely
1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is boiling, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic; sauté for about 2 minutes or until golden but not browned.
Mix heavy cream into the garlic mixture gently while stirring continuously to avoid lumps forming. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken slightly—this will take around 5 minutes.
Stir in unsalted butter until it melts completely, ensuring everything blends well together. Add red pepper flakes if desired for extra flavor. Season with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
Pour the creamy sauce over the cooked pasta, tossing thoroughly so that each strand gets coated evenly. Serve immediately garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half; however, note this might slightly increase the calorie count.
If you prefer a more robust garlic flavor, add one additional clove beyond what is specified in the recipe.
Experiment by adding other ingredients such as spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutritional value and complexity in taste.

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

This dish contains approximately:

250 calories
14 grams of fat
29 grams of carbohydrates
5 grams of protein

Health Benefits

Pasta made with whole wheat flour offers more fiber and nutrients compared to refined pasta. Olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health when consumed moderately. Garlic is rich in antioxidants that help combat various diseases including cardiovascular problems.

Regular consumption of this dish provides essential dietary fiber from the whole wheat pasta and antioxidants present in garlic, contributing towards digestive well-being and immune system support respectively.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience! Whether you're serving it for dinner or planning to make it during lunchtime, this recipe will leave everyone craving more. Its simplicity combined with its richness ensures that each bite tastes like a little piece of culinary heaven.