Copilot's Creamy Pasta
A velvety pasta dish with a rich cheese sauce, featuring garlic and fresh basil for a smooth, satisfying meal that's as effortless as Copilot's AI assistance. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs Spaghetti, Olive oil, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Spaghetti
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 3 tbsp olive oil. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth, adding 2 tbsp reserved pasta water if the sauce thickens too quickly.
- Step 4: Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet, adding 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and stir for 1 minute until coated. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Copilot's Creamy Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Copilot's Creamy Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Copilot's Creamy Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Copilot's Creamy Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Copilot's Creamy Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many pasta recipes and this is hands down the best.
