Creamy pasta is a rich and indulgent dish featuring a velvety, smooth sauce that coats every bite of tender pasta. This easy, one-pan recipe is perfect for a comforting meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 20 minutes
- Rich and creamy – A luscious sauce made with simple ingredients
- Versatile – Pair with chicken, shrimp, or vegetables
- Restaurant-quality at home – Tastes like an Italian classic
- Perfect for any occasion – Great for weeknight dinners or special meals
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper
- Italian seasoning (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the pasta – Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce – In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cream and cheese – Pour in heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
- Season to taste – Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
- Combine with pasta – Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Serve and garnish – Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Different Cheeses: Try Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or a mix of cheeses.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit of cornstarch to help thicken it.
What pasta works best for creamy sauces?
Fettuccine, penne, and linguine hold the sauce well.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low heat and stir continuously when adding dairy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but reheat gently with extra cream to maintain texture.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer, or add more Parmesan cheese.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta.
What’s a good side dish for creamy pasta?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
How can I add more flavor?
Try adding a splash of white wine or fresh basil.
Can I add lemon juice?
Yes, a little lemon juice brightens the flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftover sauce?
Store separately from the pasta and reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Conclusion
This creamy pasta recipe is an easy, delicious, and satisfying dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether served plain or with your favorite add-ins, it’s a comforting meal that’s always a hit. Enjoy restaurant-quality pasta at home in just 20 minutes!
Print
Creamy Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Pasta is rich, velvety, and packed with flavor. Made with a luscious garlic Parmesan cream sauce, it’s the perfect comfort food that comes together in just 20 minutes. You can enjoy it as is or add your favorite proteins like chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms!
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (optional for thinning)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
- Make the Cream Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Cheese
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine with Pasta
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using) and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- Protein Additions: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Options: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy texture.