Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta You Can Make in 20 Minutes
View Gallery
1 photo There are days when all you want is a bowl of something warm, creamy, and familiar. This creamy garlic butter pasta was born on one of those evenings when the kitchen light was the only thing glowing in the house, and comfort mattered more than perfection. It is the kind of recipe that doesn’t ask much from you, just a handful of pantry staples and a little patience while butter melts and garlic fills the air with its unmistakable aroma.
This dish reminds me that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s the quiet stirring, the steam rising from the pan, and the way parmesan slowly disappears into the sauce that makes this pasta special. It’s the recipe you turn to when you want to slow down, cook with intention, and feed yourself or your family something made with care. Every forkful feels indulgent, yet familiar, like revisiting a favorite memory you didn’t realize you missed.
How to Make a Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta at Home :
Step 1 :
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. I drained mine using the OXO Good Grips Colander, but any strainer you already own works just fine.
Step 2 :
Melt butter in a pan over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. I used a Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, though your everyday pan will work perfectly.
Step 3 :
Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring gently. Season with salt and pepper and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes using a Cuisinart Silicone Spatula, or whatever utensil you have at home.
Step 4 :
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stir in parmesan cheese, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Who This Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta Is Perfect For :
Comfort Food Lovers & Cozy Nights :
Rich, creamy, and buttery flavors
Garlic-forward without being overpowering
Warm and satisfying for chilly evenings
Feels indulgent without being complicated
Busy Weeknights & Home Cooks :
Ready in under 30 minutes
Uses basic pantry ingredients
No special equipment required
Easy to double for family meals
Kids & Family-Friendly Meals :
Soft pasta texture kids love
Mild, familiar flavors
No spicy or bitter elements
Can reduce garlic or pepper if needed
Beginner & Budget Cooks :
Simple cooking techniques
Forgiving recipe with flexible measurements
Affordable ingredients
Hard to mess up
Customizers & Add-On Fans :
Easy to add chicken, shrimp, or veggies
Works with different pasta shapes
Can be made richer or lighter
Great base recipe to experiment with
Easy Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta You Can Make in 20 Minutes
This creamy garlic butter pasta is a comforting classic made with butter, garlic, milk, and parmesan for a silky, rich sauce.
Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Melt butter and sauté garlic in a pan.
- Add chicken broth and milk.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add pasta and stir in parmesan.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Cholesterol 45mg15%
- Sodium 620mg26%
- Potassium 320mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 48g16%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 14g29%
- Vitamin A 520 IU
- Vitamin C 4 mg
- Calcium 220 mg
- Iron 2.1 mg
- Vitamin D 1.2 mcg
- Vitamin E 1.8 mg
- Vitamin K 18 mcg
- Thiamin 0.3 mg
- Riboflavin 0.25 mg
- Niacin 3.2 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.4 mg
- Folate 90 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.6 mcg
- Biotin 6 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1.1 mg
- Phosphorus 210 mg
- Iodine 38 mcg
- Magnesium 45 mg
- Zinc 1.8 mg
- Selenium 22 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.6 mg
- Chromium 18 mcg
- Molybdenum 32 mcg
- Chloride 780 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Substitutions
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth or cream instead of milk for extra richness.
Serving ideas
Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Mistakes to avoid
Avoid overheating the sauce or it may separate.
Chef tips
Grate parmesan fresh for smoother melting and better flavor.
Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use any pasta type?
Any pasta shape works well with this sauce.
Q. Can I make it ahead?
It is best served fresh but can be reheated gently.
Q. Can I use cream instead of milk?
Yes, heavy cream can be used for a richer and thicker sauce.
Q. Why did my sauce turn grainy?
The heat was too high when adding parmesan, causing it to separate.
Q. Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Yes, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli work well in this recipe.
