Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti (or pasta of your choice) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use. - Sauté the garlic:
In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic cloves and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn it—this step infuses the oil with that beautiful, rich garlic flavor. - Add the cream:
Once the garlic is golden and fragrant, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Let the cream heat through for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the garlic flavor to infuse into the sauce. - Stir in Parmesan and season:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into the creamy sauce. Season with black pepper and salt to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. - Combine pasta and sauce:
Add the drained, cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s well-coated. If necessary, add a little more pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles. - Serve:
Once the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.
Enjoy your delicious creamy garlic pasta!
This recipe is incredibly versatile—you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables if you’d like. It’s a quick, satisfying dish that’s always a hit!
