Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly garlicky — this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that feels like a luxurious restaurant dish but is surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting a small gathering, or just treating yourself after a long day, this pasta delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.
Made with real butter, fresh garlic, cream, and generous amounts of grated Parmesan, the sauce is rich and silky — perfectly clinging to every strand of pasta. The best part? It all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or pasta of your choice – Fettuccine or linguine are great for creamy sauces, but penne or rigatoni work well too.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Creates the base of your roux and adds richness.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – The star of the show! Fresh garlic makes all the difference.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce.
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%) – Whole milk gives a richer flavor, but low-fat works too.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and velvety.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated melts better and tastes superior.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions – Step-by-Step
- Boil the Pasta Start by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions and aim for al dente texture — firm to the bite. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
- Sauté the Garlic In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid browning or burning the garlic.
- Make the Roux Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute. This creates a roux, which is the thickening base of your sauce.
- Add Milk and Cream Slowly pour in the milk, followed by the heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 3–5 minutes until it begins to thicken into a creamy sauce.
- Melt the Parmesan Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese fully melts into the sauce and it reaches a smooth, silky consistency.
- Season the Sauce Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Toss and Serve Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss well to coat every strand. Let it simmer for 1 more minute so the pasta absorbs some of the sauce.
🌿 Optional Add-Ins & Variations
Want to elevate your pasta or customize it to your taste? Try one of these delicious additions:
- Grilled chicken – Adds lean protein and pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Shrimp or scallops – For a seafood twist, sauté with garlic and butter and serve on top.
- Sautéed mushrooms – Add earthy flavor and a bit of meaty texture.
- Baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes – Toss in at the end for a fresh or tangy pop.
- Chili flakes or cracked pepper – For a little heat.
✅ Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and often contains anti-caking agents.
- Don’t overcook the garlic – Burnt garlic turns bitter and can ruin the sauce’s flavor.
- Thin the sauce if needed – Use reserved pasta water or a splash of milk to adjust the thickness before serving.
- Serve immediately – This dish tastes best hot and fresh. The sauce may thicken as it cools.
🥡 Storage & Reheating
- Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently.
📌 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create a stunningly flavorful dish. It’s comforting, quick, and guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just yourself, this pasta is always a win. 💛