Description
How to make creamy garlic herb pasta with tender noodles and a rich, savory sauce that’s ready in under 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Dairy Base:
- 1 pound (450g) fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1.5 cups (360ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (80g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Aromatics & Fresh Herbs:
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large shallot, finely diced
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth (low-sodium)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Key Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Finishing Touches:
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup (240ml) reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Prep Aromatics: Get your pasta water boiling for the fettuccine. While it heats, mince your garlic and finely dice the shallot. This initial prep for your Irresistible Creamy Garlic Herb Pasta ensures everything is ready to go for a smooth cooking process. Keep organized!
- Cook Pasta: Cook the fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, make sure to reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This will be crucial for achieving the perfect creamy texture in our pasta dish later.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and diced shallot for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened, but not browned. This forms the aromatic base for your delicious pasta dish.
- Build Sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken and emulsify beautifully.
- Combine & Toss: Add the cooked, drained fettuccine directly into the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency for this Irresistible Creamy Garlic Herb Pasta.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in the fresh parsley, basil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve your Irresistible Creamy Garlic Herb Pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs. Enjoy this quick meal!
Notes
Always reserve starchy pasta water; it’s crucial for achieving the perfect creamy sauce consistency and preventing it from becoming too thick.
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Prompt refrigeration is key for creamy sauces.
For heavy cream, half-and-half or whole milk can be substituted, but the sauce will be less thick and stable.
Serve immediately, hot from the pan, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for the best flavor and presentation.
Prep minced garlic, diced shallot, and fresh herbs a day ahead, storing them in separate airtight containers for quick assembly.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten
