This Creamy Garlic Pasta is rich, indulgent, and easy to make. Each strand of spaghetti is coated in a luscious sauce of garlic, butter, Parmesan, and cream. You can also customize it by adding prawns, scallops, or vegetables for a seafood or veggie twist. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish comes together in just one pan for minimal cleanup.
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter
3 cups chicken broth (or more as needed)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
½ pound (8 oz) spaghetti
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup heavy cream
1½ tablespoons dried parsley
Sauté Garlic:
Heat olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add butter and stir constantly until melted.
Cook the Pasta:
Pour in chicken broth, then add pepper and salt. Bring to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Add more broth if the pasta starts to stick.
Finish the Sauce:
Stir in Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and dried parsley. Mix thoroughly until creamy and well combined.
Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
For a seafood version, add cooked shrimp or scallops in the last 3–4 minutes of cooking.
Toss in vegetables like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for a colorful twist.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest, richest flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.