The Easiest Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe (Just 5 Ingredients!)

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🥄 The Easiest Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe (Just 5 Ingredients!)

There’s something magical about comfort food — especially when it doesn’t require a trip to a specialty store or hours in the kitchen. This creamy garlic pasta is one of those dishes. With just five simple ingredients, you can create something warm, rich, and incredibly satisfying.

I’ve made this pasta more times than I can count. It’s my go-to when I want something cozy, quick, and reliable. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or someone who just needs a foolproof weeknight dinner, this one’s for you.

🍝 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • âś… Just 5 basic ingredients
  • âś… Ready in under 25 minutes
  • âś… Creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor
  • âś… No fancy techniques or tools needed
  • âś… Easy to customize (see tips below!)

🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make creamy garlic pasta:

  • 200g (about 7 oz) of pasta – Spaghetti or fettuccine work great
  • 2 tablespoons of butter – Unsalted is best
  • 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
    Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for topping

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta
    Cook your pasta according to the package directions. Salt the water generously. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté the garlic
    In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. Don’t let it brown—just soften and become fragrant.
  3. Add the cream
    Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
  4. Combine with pasta
    Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  5. Season and serve
    Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Top with Parmesan and chopped parsley if you like.

đź’ˇ Tips and Variations

  • No cream? You can use whole milk + a spoonful of cream cheese for a similar texture.
  • Want more flavor? Add a pinch of chili flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice.
  • Make it a meal: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or steamed veggies.

🙋‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.

Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s mild, creamy, and easy to customize for picky eaters.

Can I make it dairy-free?
You can try using olive oil instead of butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream, but the texture and flavor will be different.

📸 Final Thoughts

This is one of those recipes that proves simple doesn’t mean boring. It’s a blank canvas for whatever you’re craving, yet it’s delicious all on its own. If you try it, let me know how it turned out! I’d love to hear your tweaks, tips, or serving ideas in the comments below.

đź“ť Recipe Card

Creamy Garlic Pasta (5 Ingredients)
Serves 2

Ingredients:

  • 200g pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta; save some pasta water.
  2. Sauté garlic in butter until soft.
  3. Add cream, simmer to thicken.
  4. Toss in pasta, mix well.
  5. Season and serve with toppings if desired.