Mastering the Creamy Garlic Pasta Technique

Garlic Infusion Technique

Precise low-heat sautéing method extracting maximum flavor without bitterness.

Sauce Emulsification Process

Careful ingredient incorporation strategy creating smooth, velvety sauce consistency.

Pasta Integration Methodology

Strategic coating technique ensuring perfect sauce-to-pasta distribution.

Texture Optimization Approach

Calculated liquid addition method maintaining ideal sauce viscosity.

Baking Tips

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting

Don't let garlic brown - it becomes bitter

Reserve pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for sauces

Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest sauce

Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream

Serve immediately for best texture and temperature

Can add more pasta water if sauce becomes too thick

Experiment with different herbs and spices

Works great for meal prep - reheat gently with additional pasta water

Can be made vegetarian or vegan with appropriate substitutions

Use room temperature ingredients for smoothest sauce

Ultimate Creamy Garlic Pasta

Name: Ultimate Creamy Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Comfort Food
Ingredients: For the Pasta:; 1 lb (450g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti); Salt for pasta water; 1 cup pasta cooking water (reserved); For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 8-10 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup cream cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Optional Add-Ins:; 2 cups baby spinach; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 cup cooked chicken or shrimp; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1/2 cup roasted vegetables; Optional Garnishes:; Extra Parmesan cheese; Fresh chopped parsley; Additional red pepper flakes; Lemon zest; Toasted pine nuts; Optional Protein Additions:; Grilled chicken breast; Sautéed shrimp; Crispy pancetta; Plant-based chicken alternative

A luxurious pasta dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal, this Creamy Garlic Pasta is the epitome of comfort food with a gourmet twist. Rich, velvety sauce clings to perfectly cooked pasta, delivering an intense garlic flavor balanced by a silky smooth texture. Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of creamy decadence and bright, aromatic notes that elevate the humble pasta to a truly memorable dining experience.

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Total Time

25 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Pasta:

1 lb (450g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)

Salt for pasta water

1 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

8-10 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup cream cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

2 cups baby spinach

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1/2 cup cooked chicken or shrimp

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/2 cup roasted vegetables

Optional Garnishes:

Extra Parmesan cheese

Fresh chopped parsley

Additional red pepper flakes

Lemon zest

Toasted pine nuts

Optional Protein Additions:

Grilled chicken breast

Sautéed shrimp

Crispy pancetta

Plant-based chicken alternative

Seared tofu

Instructions

Prepare ingredients: Mince garlic, grate Parmesan cheese, and have all ingredients ready. This sauce comes together quickly, so preparation is key.

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water.

Start the sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown.

Build the cream sauce: Add heavy cream, cream cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk continuously until cream cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth.

Add optional ingredients: If using spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted vegetables, add them now and cook for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts or vegetables are heated through.

Incorporate Parmesan: Reduce heat to low and gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Combine pasta and sauce: Add drained pasta directly to the sauce. Toss to coat completely, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky, glossy consistency.

Final touches: If adding protein like chicken or shrimp, fold in now. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve immediately: Transfer to serving plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan, fresh herbs, or chosen toppings.

Ultimate Creamy Garlic Pasta

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Mastering the Creamy Garlic Pasta Technique

Ultimate Creamy Garlic Pasta

Ingredients

Instructions