garlic cream sauce for pasta recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best garlic cream sauce for pasta recipe

I first tried garlic cream sauce on a pasta dish at an Italian restaurant and fell in love with the rich, velvety texture and deep flavor. Since then, I’ve been experimenting with making it at home, and I’m excited to share my favorite recipe with you.

The key to a great garlic cream sauce is to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh garlic, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. This sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used on a variety of pasta dishes, from spaghetti to fettuccine.

One of the best things about garlic cream sauce is that it’s relatively easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. You can customize it to your taste by adding different herbs or spices.

My family loves this sauce because it’s a comforting, indulgent treat that we can enjoy on a weeknight or special occasion. In addition to its rich flavor, garlic cream sauce is also a great way to get some extra nutrients into our diets – the heavy cream adds healthy fats, while the Parmesan cheese provides calcium and protein.

I’ve found that this recipe works well for both large family gatherings and smaller dinner parties.

Garlic Cream Sauce for Pasta

4.7 from 580 votes

A rich and velvety garlic cream sauce that coats pasta beautifully. This simple sauce combines heavy cream with fresh garlic and Parmesan for a quick weeknight dinner.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time12 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time17 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3The garlic should become golden but not brown.
4Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
5Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
6Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
7Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
8The sauce should be thick enough to cling to pasta but still pourable.
9Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce and toss well to coat.
10Cook for 1 to 2 minutes over low heat, stirring gently, until the pasta is evenly coated and heated through.
11Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Garlic press or knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 38g💛Saturated Fat: 23g❤️Cholesterol: 125mg🧂Sodium: 450mg🌾Total Carbs: 6g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 9g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but note the sauce will be thinner. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.

Watch Video Of How Garlic Cream Sauce for Pasta Works

This garlic cream sauce recipe has become a staple in my household – it’s easy to make and always impresses my family and friends. The best part?

It’s incredibly versatile and works well for both weeknight meals and special occasions. When storing leftover garlic cream sauce, be sure to keep it refrigerated at a temperature below 40°F (4°C) for up to three days.

Reheat gently over low heat before serving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Cream Sauce for Pasta

Q: What type of pasta is best for garlic cream sauce?

For this recipe, I recommend using a long, thin pasta shape like spaghetti or fettuccine. These shapes allow the creamy sauce to coat each strand evenly and provide a nice contrast in texture.

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