Smith's Creamy Garlic Pasta
A velvety pasta dish with a luscious garlic cream sauce, finished with fresh herbs and Parmesan for a comforting weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot, adding 2 tbsp salt. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low, pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream, and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing vigorously to coat. If sauce is too thick, add 2 tbsp reserved pasta water until creamy. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Divide among plates, garnish with 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smith's Creamy Garlic Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Smith's Creamy Garlic 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 Smith's Creamy Garlic 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 Smith's Creamy Garlic 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 Smith's Creamy Garlic 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
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better pasta dishes though.
