Oct 17, 2025

Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe | Quick & Easy 15-Minute Pasta Dinner

You know those nights when hunger hits hard, but the thought of cooking feels like a chore? We’ve all been there. That’s when this 15-minute creamy garlic pasta recipe saves the day.

It’s rich, garlicky, comforting, and tastes like something straight out of an Italian cafe — yet all it takes is a handful of ingredients you already have. Think warm, cheesy, buttery goodness in every bite. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy.

Let’s dive into this quick and easy creamy garlic pasta recipe that’ll be your new weeknight favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Garlic Pasta

Alright, before we dive in and start cooking, let’s take a quick look at what goes in. Don’t worry. Nothing fancy, nothing exotic.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Pasta of your choice – Penne, fusilli, spaghetti… really, whatever you’ve got. I won’t judge. Play around. That’s the fun part.
Butter or olive oil – This is where the flavor party starts. We’ll saute the garlic in this.
Garlic cloves – And I mean lots. It’s creamy garlic pasta, after all. Mince them fine.
All-purpose flour – Just a little to thicken the sauce.
Milk or cream – For richness. Pick whatever you have, but cream is obviously indulgent.
Parmesan cheese – The more, the merrier.
Salt & pepper – Because life without them is… well, bland.
Optional herbs – Parsley, thyme, oregano… a little sprinkle at the end makes it look fancy.

Prep Tips Before Making Creamy Garlic Pasta

Boil the pasta first – Don’t overcook it. Slightly underdone is fine; it’ll soak up the creamy sauce later. Also, reserve a little pasta water. Trust me, it’s the secret trick.

Mince the garlic – The finer, the better.
Grate the Parmesan – Real, freshly grated stuff makes a huge difference.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta

The moment your kitchen is gonna start smelling insanely good. Seriously, people nearby might just start hovering, hoping for a taste.

Melt the butter / heat the olive oil – Get that pan nice and warm. The aroma alone is already half the comfort.

Garlic goes in – Toss in your minced garlic. Stir it for about 30 seconds. Don’t walk away; burnt garlic is a tragedy.

Make a roux – Sprinkle in your flour and stir continuously. Yep, a little arm workout, but worth it. You’re basically building the base of your creamy sauce here.

Add milk or cream slowly – Whisk constantly as it combines with the roux. Don’t just dump it all at once. Patience, my friend.

Cheese it up – Grated Parmesan goes in. Stir until it melts beautifully into the sauce. Taste it, add salt and pepper. Adjust according to your mood (and taste buds).

Combine pasta and sauce – Toss your slightly undercooked pasta into the sauce. If it looks too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water. This—this is what creamy pasta recipes are all about.

Optional Add-Ins & Toppings for Creamy Garlic Pasta

Now, let’s talk about taking this pasta up a notch. Because plain pasta is good, sure. But why settle for good when it can be amazing, right?

Adding more Protein – Feeling extra hungry? Toss in some grilled chicken, sauteed shrimp, or even roasted veggies. Gives it more substance, makes it a proper meal. Just stir lightly at the end so you don’t mess up that creamy sauce.

Herbs and Cheese – Sprinkle a little fresh parsley, basil, or extra Parmesan. Tiny tweaks, but man… they make it look fancy and smell irresistible.

Habanero Sauce– Here’s a little shortcut that actually works. Swap part of your homemade sauce with our Habanero’s Creamy Pasta Sauce. Adds richness, depth, and yes, it makes the whole thing basically foolproof. No worrying about sauce consistency or seasoning. Honestly, it’s a life-saver on busy nights.

Quick, Delicious, & Comforting Creamy Garlic Pasta

And just like that… you’ve got yourself a bowl of creamy garlic pasta in 15 minutes. Yep, fifteen. Quick, comforting.

The best part is how flexible this recipe is. Switch up pasta shapes, toss in some veggies or protein, or for that extra creamy punch, a little Habanero Creamy Pasta Sauce really takes it to the next level. Honestly, it’s a total game-changer when you’re short on time but still want something rich and satisfying.

Honestly, I can’t stress this enough. This is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to, again and again. Midweek hunger pangs? Surprise guests? Or just a night when you need comfort food that doesn’t require a full cooking marathon. This pasta has your back.

So, grab your garlic, pasta, maybe a little Habanero sauce, and go make yourself that perfect, creamy, garlicky bowl. And hey… don’t be surprised if it becomes your weeknight hero.

Looking for more pasta recipes? Try our Arrabiata Pasta Recipe, Healthy Pesto Pasta with Paneer, Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, spaghetti… whatever you’ve got in your pantry works. Each pasta gives a slightly different texture, but honestly, they all taste amazing with this sauce.

2. Can I make it without cream?

Yes, totally! You can use milk instead of cream. The sauce will be a bit lighter, but still creamy and flavorful.

3. How do I make the sauce thicker if it’s too runny?

Easy. Just simmer it a little longer while stirring, or add a tiny pinch more flour. And the pasta water trick works wonders too. A splash can help the sauce cling to the pasta perfectly.

4. Can I prep this ahead of time?

Sort of. You can chop garlic and grate cheese in advance, but honestly, this recipe comes together so fast that it’s usually quicker to just cook it fresh. It really tastes best hot, straight from the pan.

5. Can I add veggies or protein?

For sure! Grilled chicken, shrimp, roasted veggies. All these work beautifully. Just toss them in at the end and stir gently. Makes it more filling and keeps that creamy texture intact.

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