20 Minute Creamy Garlic Pasta
This incredibly easy Creamy Garlic Pasta is ready in 20 minutes! A velvety, from scratch garlic Parmesan sauce coats your favorite pasta for the ultimate quick comfort food.
Ingredients
- 10 oz tagliatelle or fettuccine
- 1 ½ tablespoons salted butter
- 6 large garlic cloves finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- ¾ cup chicken stock
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley roughly chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and pepper; cook for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and light golden.
- Sprinkle flour over garlic and stir for 1 minute to form a paste.
- Gradually whisk in chicken stock until smooth. Whisk in heavy cream and ¾ cup of Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet with ¼ cup of reserved pasta water. Toss until pasta is coated and sauce is glossy. Add more pasta water if needed.
- Serve immediately topped with remaining Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Notes
- Pasta Water is Key: Don't forget to save it! The starchy water is essential for creating a silky, restaurant quality sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the best meltability and flavor, grate your own Parmesan cheese. Pre shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crumbled bacon for a heartier meal.