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Creamy Garlic Pasta

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Creamy Garlic Pasta is rich, velvety, and packed with bold garlic flavor. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s ready in under 30 minutes and makes the perfect cozy meal. Serve it as a main with a side of greens, or pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies.


Ingredients

  • 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Optional: chopped parsley or red pepper flakes for garnish


Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.

  2. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t let it brown).

  3. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.

  4. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream. Keep whisking until smooth and slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes.

  5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  6. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.

  7. Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes and serve warm.


Notes

Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms to make it a full meal.

 

Swap out milk for more cream if you want it extra rich.

 

For a lighter version, use all milk and skip the cream.