This creamy pasta is the ultimate comfort food, crafted with a silky garlic parmesan sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of fettuccine. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy creamy pasta recipe transforms simple ingredients into a decadent dinner. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy date night in, promising rich, satisfying flavors with minimal effort.

I first fell for this style of pasta during a chilly evening in a small trattoria in Rome, where the simplicity of the dish spoke volumes. The memory of that rich pasta sauce inspired me to perfect my own version, which has since become my go-to for effortless entertaining. I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad or with a side of my traditional Italian meatballs for a more substantial feast, and it pairs beautifully with the cheesy goodness of my spinach manicotti for a complete Italian-inspired menu.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pasta

Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The combination of fresh garlic and real Parmesan cheese creates an authentic, rich pasta sauce.
Incredibly Quick & Easy: This creamy pasta dinner comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
One-Pan Simplicity: You can cook the sauce and toss the pasta all in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Perfectly Customizable: This base recipe is a fantastic canvas for adding your favorite proteins or vegetables.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Creamy Pasta

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

For the Pasta

Fettuccine Pasta: The broad, flat shape is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, but penne works wonderfully too.

For the Creamy Sauce

Butter and Olive Oil: This duo creates a rich base and prevents the butter from burning when sautéing the garlic.
Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh cloves provide the best aromatic flavor for your garlic parmesan pasta.
Heavy Cream: For the luxuriously thick and creamy texture that defines this dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce, offering a salty, nutty depth.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a subtle warmth that complements the richness.

Creamy Pasta

Easy creamy pasta recipe ready in 30 minutes! Fettuccine with garlic parmesan cream sauce. Perfect weeknight dinner with simple ingredients you already have.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

large pot
large skillet or Dutch oven
measuring cups
measuring spoons
tongs
cutting board
knife
grater
mixing bowl

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
salt to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 1/2 cups of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta well and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter with the 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly softened but not browned.
Pour in the 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream, stirring to combine it with the garlic and butter. Bring the cream mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly so that it coats the back of a spoon.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Continue stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and season with additional salt, if needed.
Add the drained pasta directly to the creamy sauce in the skillet. Using tongs, toss the pasta thoroughly, ensuring every strand or piece is evenly coated with the rich sauce.
If the sauce appears too thick, add the reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired velvety consistency.
Serve the creamy pasta immediately in warm bowls. Garnish each portion with an optional sprinkle of the 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley and additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Keyword creamy pasta, fettuccine, garlic parmesan, weeknight dinner

Creative Ways to Customize Your Pasta

Add Protein: Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage for a heartier creamy pasta dinner.
Vegetable Boost: Sauté mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic for extra flavor and nutrition.
Extra Cheesy: Add a handful of mozzarella or asiago cheese along with the Parmesan for an even richer pasta sauce.

My Pro Tips for Creamy Pasta Perfection

Salt Your Pasta Water: The water should taste like the sea, as this is your main chance to season the pasta itself.
Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy liquid is liquid gold for adjusting your sauce consistency at the end.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
Low and Slow for the Sauce: Keep the heat gentle after adding the cream to prevent it from breaking or scalding.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Pasta

Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Freeze: While possible, cream-based sauces can separate when thawed. For best results, freeze for no longer than 1 month.
Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the sauce base ahead and gently reheat it before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make creamy pasta sauce without heavy cream?

You can create a lighter version using half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a roux. For a dairy-free option, blended silken tofu or cashew cream can provide a similar richness.

Why did my creamy pasta sauce become grainy?

Graininess often occurs if the cheese is added while the sauce is too hot, causing it to seize. Always remove the pan from heat before stirring in the Parmesan for a smooth, creamy pasta sauce.

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely. While fettuccine is classic, penne, rigatoni, or linguine work beautifully. The key is using a shape that can cradle the sauce.

How do I prevent my creamy pasta from drying out?

The reserved pasta water is your best tool. Add it a tablespoon at a time when tossing the pasta to achieve a velvety, loose consistency that won’t dry out.

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Why This Creamy Pasta Will Become a Favorite

With its luxurious texture and deeply satisfying garlic parmesan flavor, this easy creamy pasta recipe is destined for your regular dinner rotation. It’s the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels special yet is simple enough for any night of the week. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a bowl of pure comfort tonight.

30-Minute Creamy Pasta