Quick Pasta with Cream & Garlic

Posted by Stephanie Meyer on Dec 13, 2011 at 11:23am

quick pasta cream garlic

Inspired by a recent David Tanis/New York Times column about the beauty of having a quick, satisfying pasta in your repertoire, I thought I’d share my recipe – if you can even call it that – for the pasta I make for my son at least once a week. Like the Tanis recipe, this dish comes together quickly, with ingredients easy to keep on hand, and delivers fast, filling comfort on a cold, busy day.

quick pasta garlic cream

Or night! I was so taken by the idea of having a go-to dish to make after a sparkly night out, when it’s very possible that you were offered a lowball glass of Cheetos, but not actual real food to absorb the perfect cocktails you sipped for too many hours. (I love you Marvel Bar, but I am ready to eat my hat by the time I get home from a lovely evening in your presence.)

(If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute gluten-free pasta. Or, just make yourself a fried egg, with loads of hot sauce, which is what I often do. But that’s a different post…)

Quick Pasta with Cream & Garlic

Serves 2-4

1/2 lb. dried spaghetti
1 Tbsp. butter
1 clove garlic, minced
pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 c. heavy cream
salt
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
freshly ground black pepper

Cook pasta in boiling, salted water according to package instructions.

While the pasta cooks, heat a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add butter and when it’s hot, add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and gently saute until garlic is softening but not browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the cream and a generous sprinkle of salt. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring a few times, then remove from heat and set aside.

When pasta is done, just before draining it, reserve 2 Tbsp. of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and add the garlic cream, Parmesan cheese, pasta cooking water, a sprinkle of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Toss until sauce is creamy and pasta is coated. Serve immediately with more cheese, if desired.

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Older Comments

  1. By FreshTartSteph on January 2, 2012 at 11:46AM

    NIIICE! Geez, how fab. And thanks!

  2. By fuzzles on December 27, 2011 at 11:13AM

    How did I miss this post? :drool:

    YumSugar got me hooked on black garlic recently. Guess what I am making for din din tonight? Danka for the recipe!

  3. By FreshTartSteph on December 24, 2011 at 8:41AM

    Jessica - Awesome to hear. Thank you.

    Miranda - That's the goal! I hope you enjoy.

    Carolyn - Agree completely. Simple is really nice.

    Imen - You are so lovely. Thank you for the beautiful comment, which made my whole year. I have so enjoyed getting to know you this year - can't wait to see you again in 2012. I love everything you do!

  4. By Imen McDonnell on December 19, 2011 at 1:11PM

    Stephanie, have just had a nice meander around the blog which is not advisable just before bed becasue I am now starrrrving!!!!! Everything. I repeat Everything looks, sounds and nearly smells amazing. Don't know where to begin carrying on about all of this gorgeousness, but must start with THANK YOU for sharing your beautiful recipes and photographs with us! Always inspiring. Loads of love from Ireland xx

  5. By Carolyn Jung on December 15, 2011 at 9:02AM

    Just shows that sometimes the best things in life are the simplest. Mmmm, creamy noodles with a hint of pungent garlic. Sounds like total comfort in a bowl.

  6. By Miranda @ Living One Bite at a Time on December 14, 2011 at 11:23PM

    Wow, this looks absolutely delicious!! So easy, too. Can't wait to try it sometime soon. I always love a good "comfort food" dish.

  7. By Jesica @ Pencil Kitchen on December 14, 2011 at 6:49PM

    Simple and lovely... simple and tasty... and quick too.. :)

  8. By FreshTartSteph on December 14, 2011 at 5:15PM

    Thank you Yadsi & Monica! It's like an Alfredo cheat - not nearly as rich and honestly, I think better for it. I hope you like it!

  9. By Monica Bennett on December 14, 2011 at 3:38PM

    This looks absolutely heavenly. Cream and garlic -- YUM. I haven't had pasta in a long time, but this recipe looks amazing, it will be the next pasta I make!

  10. By Yadsia @ShopCookMake on December 14, 2011 at 1:13PM

    My mouth is watering just by thinking about this. OMG! It's kind of like Alfredo Sauce

  11. By la domestique on December 13, 2011 at 1:33PM

    I could live on a pasta like this. Delicious!