Creamy Garlic Pasta with Fresh Herbs for Easy Weeknight Meals

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Creamy Garlic Pasta with Fresh Herbs is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your weeknight meals. With its rich and creamy sauce, infused with aromatic garlic and brightened by fresh herbs, this pasta recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for busy evenings, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to option for delicious home cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy garlic pasta is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. It’s comforting, quick to prepare, and customizable to fit your taste preferences.

• Fast and easy to make in under 30 minutes
• Rich, creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta
• Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and color
• Versatile and can be paired with various proteins or veggies
• Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

How to Make Creamy Garlic Pasta

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden.
3. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure not to overcook the garlic; it should be fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more or less pasta water as needed.
• Fresh herbs are best added at the end to maintain their vibrant color and flavor.

Easy Variations

• Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra protein and nutrients.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version.
• Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or chives for a unique twist.

What to Serve With It

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette for dipping
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
• A glass of white wine for a more elegant touch

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Creamy Garlic Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Recipe Card