20-Minute Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta: The Easy Weeknight Recipe

When dinner needs to feel comforting without keeping you in the kitchen all evening, this creamy garlic parmesan pasta delivers. It is silky, savoury and ready in about 20 minutes using simple ingredients you may already have.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 20 minutes from start to finish
• Made with a short, flexible ingredient list
• Rich and creamy without a complicated sauce
• Easy to serve on its own or with chicken, mushrooms or vegetables

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 340 g fettuccine, linguine or spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 240 ml double cream or heavy cream
• 120 ml reserved pasta water, plus more as needed
• 100 g finely grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: a pinch of chilli flakes and extra Parmesan to serve

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to the boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the packet instructions. Reserve at least 240 ml of pasta water before draining.
2. Build the garlic base. Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring, until fragrant but not browned.
3. Make the sauce. Pour in the cream and add 120 ml of reserved pasta water. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add the cheese. Reduce the heat to low. Add the Parmesan a little at a time, stirring until smooth. Season with black pepper and salt.
5. Toss and serve. Add the drained pasta and toss until every strand is coated. Loosen with extra pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, if needed. Finish with parsley, chilli flakes and more Parmesan.

The Secret to a Silky Sauce

Finely grated Parmesan melts more evenly than coarse shreds. Keep the heat low when adding it, and use starchy pasta water to help the butter, cream and cheese come together. If the sauce tightens as it sits, a splash of warm pasta water will make it glossy again.

Easy Variations

• Add protein: Toss in sliced grilled chicken, prawns or crispy bacon.
• Add vegetables: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, peas or roasted broccoli.
• Make it brighter: Finish with lemon zest and a small squeeze of lemon juice.
• Add heat: Use extra chilli flakes or a spoonful of chilli crisp.

What to Serve With It

Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables or warm garlic bread. For a lighter plate, serve a smaller portion alongside grilled chicken and steamed greens.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of milk or water, stirring until the sauce loosens. Cream sauces are best enjoyed fresh and are not ideal for freezing.

Recipe Notes

Parmesan can vary in saltiness, so taste before adding extra salt. Traditional Parmigiano Reggiano is made with animal rennet; choose a vegetarian hard cheese if needed.

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Image credits: Max Bonda and MART PRODUCTION via Pexels. Additional licensed image via iStock.