Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta — Easy Weeknight Comfort Food

If you’re looking for a quick, comforting dish that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s rich, silky, full of flavor, and comes together in under 25 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings or when you simply crave something warm and delicious.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot — less cleanup!
- Budget-friendly — uses pantry staples.
- Customizable — add veggies, chicken, shrimp, or keep it vegetarian.
- Ultra-creamy and packed with garlic and parmesan flavor.
📝 Ingredients
For 2–3 servings:
- 200g spaghetti or any pasta you like
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup milk (full fat preferred)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional but recommended)
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pasta water (reserved)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Chili flakes (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Prepare the garlic base
In a pan, heat butter and olive oil. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant — about 1 minute. Don’t burn it!
3. Make the creamy sauce
Pour in milk and cream. Mix well. Let it simmer gently.
4. Add Parmesan
Add the grated Parmesan and stir until melted and the sauce thickens.
5. Combine everything
Add the cooked pasta + splash in the pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
6. Season and serve
Add salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
🌟 Tips for Perfect Creamy Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts better than pre-shredded.
- Add pasta water gradually — it helps emulsify the sauce.
- Want protein? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms.
- For a lighter version, skip the cream and use just milk.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Garlic bread
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
This pasta tastes even better the next day — if there are leftovers 😄