Outlook Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce
A simple yet elegant pasta dish with a silky garlic-cream sauce that’s ready in 15 minutes, making meal prep as effortless as checking your Outlook calendar. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes blends spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
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: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 4 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then add the drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water.
- Step 4: Toss for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats every strand of pasta, adding more pasta water if needed to reach a creamy consistency.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Outlook Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Outlook Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Outlook Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce?
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 Outlook Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce 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 Outlook Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce?
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
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
