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To create a rich and flavorful creamy garlic pasta, gather these essential ingredients: - 300g spaghetti or fettuccine - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper - Fresh parsley for garnish - Optional: Red pepper flakes Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish. The garlic gives it a bold flavor, while the heavy cream adds a luscious texture. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese elevates the taste, bringing a nutty richness. The optional red pepper flakes can bring a little heat, balancing the creaminess. Don't skip on the sea salt; it enhances all the flavors. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste that brightens the dish. These ingredients together make creamy garlic pasta a delight to enjoy. For the full recipe, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta Delight. To cook the pasta, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. You want it to bubble and move fast. Once boiling, add the spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. For al dente pasta, taste it a minute before the time is up. It should be firm but not hard. While the pasta cooks, prepare the garlic. Take the same pot and add olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic. Stir it for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want it to be soft and smell great. Watch it closely; you don’t want to burn it. If it browns, it may taste bitter. Now, let’s make the cream sauce. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer gently. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. The cream should thicken slightly. If it looks too thin, just let it cook a bit longer. Keep stirring to avoid sticking. Once the cream thickens, add the Parmesan cheese. Gradually stir it in until it melts completely. This gives the sauce a nice, creamy feel. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Season it with sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Taste it to make sure the flavors are just right. It’s time to bring the pasta and sauce together. Gently fold the drained pasta into the creamy sauce. Toss it well so every strand gets coated. If the sauce looks dry, add more pasta water a little at a time. This helps to keep it creamy and smooth. For serving, place the creamy garlic pasta onto warm plates. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and flavor. If you like, add more Parmesan on the side. Red pepper flakes can spice it up for those who want heat. A large serving bowl works great for family-style dining. For the full recipe, you can find it above. Enjoy your meal! - Overcooking garlic: Garlic cooks quickly. If you let it brown, it can taste bitter. Just cook it until soft and fragrant. - Skipping on salt in pasta water: Salt enhances the pasta's flavor. Use enough salt, so it tastes like the sea. This step makes a big difference in the final dish. - How to avoid a grainy texture: Make sure your cream is at room temperature before adding it to the garlic. Cold cream can shock the sauce and lead to graininess. Stir slowly as the sauce heats. - Adjusting thickness without compromising flavor: If the sauce is too thick, add a spoonful of reserved pasta water. This adds creaminess without losing flavor. Always mix well to combine. - Suggestions for fresh herbs: Fresh herbs can brighten the dish. Try adding basil or thyme. Chopped parsley adds freshness and color, too. - Adding spices for an extra kick: If you like heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. A little pinch goes a long way. You can also try a dash of smoked paprika for a new twist. For the full experience of this dish, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can turn creamy garlic pasta into a full meal by adding proteins. Chicken, shrimp, or bacon all work well. For chicken, grill or sauté it in the same pot you used for the garlic. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it to the pot after the garlic. If you use bacon, crisp it up first, then mix it into the sauce. Each protein brings its own taste and texture. If you want a vegetarian version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. For cheese, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Load up on veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Sauté them with garlic to bring out their flavors. This makes the dish colorful and healthy. To spice things up, add herbs like basil or thyme. You can also mix in ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or olives. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your taste. If you want a kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice. Tailoring the flavors makes this dish your own. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. To keep creamy garlic pasta fresh, cool it down first. Let it sit at room temperature for no more than two hours. After that, pack it in a container. Use an airtight container to keep out air and moisture. This will help maintain its rich flavor. Glass or plastic storage containers work well. Make sure they have tight lids. If you want to use bags, use freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. The best way to reheat creamy garlic pasta is on the stove. Put it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir gently to warm it up evenly. To avoid sauce separation, heat it slowly. Stir often to keep the sauce smooth. If you see it starting to separate, add a bit of pasta water. This helps bring it back together. Yes, you can freeze creamy garlic pasta! However, the cream might change texture. It may not be as smooth when thawed. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label it with the date for easy tracking. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. This helps maintain the sauce's flavor and texture. Creamy garlic pasta can last for 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Yes, you can! To prep in advance, cook the pasta and make the sauce separately. Combine them just before serving. This way, the pasta stays firm and the sauce remains creamy. Creamy garlic pasta pairs well with: - Garlic bread - A crisp green salad - Grilled vegetables - Roasted chicken or shrimp These sides add balance and extra flavor to your meal. You can lighten this recipe by: - Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream - Choosing low-fat cheese - Adding more vegetables, like spinach or zucchini These swaps reduce calories while keeping the dish tasty. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Garlic Pasta Delight. In this post, we explored how to create creamy garlic pasta. We began with the key ingredients and followed step-by-step instructions for cooking. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and ways to enhance flavor. We also covered variations, from adding proteins to making it vegetarian. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating tips. Cooking this dish can be simple and rewarding. Enjoy your creamy garlic pasta, and feel free to experiment!

Creamy Garlic Pasta

Savor the rich flavors of this creamy garlic pasta delight that’s sure to impress! With simple ingredients like garlic, Parmesan, and a dash of Italian seasoning, you can whip up a delicious meal in just 25 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is a creamy dream come true. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delightful dish to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

300g spaghetti or fettuccine

4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions, until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and drain the rest.

    Sauté the Garlic: In the same pot used for the pasta, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and soft—watching closely to prevent browning.

      Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream into the pot with the softened garlic. Stir it well, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream thickens slightly.

        Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the creamy mixture while continuously stirring. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce achieves a smooth, luscious consistency. If you find the sauce too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.

          Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the drained pasta into the creamy garlic sauce, tossing well to ensure each strand is evenly coated. Mix in the Italian seasoning and season with sea salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if desired) for an extra kick.

            Serve: Transfer the creamy garlic pasta to warm serving plates and finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top, adding a vibrant color and delightful flavor.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Consider serving with extra Parmesan on the side and a light dusting of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit more heat. A nice touch is to present the pasta in a large serving bowl for family-style dining.