If you’re a fan of rich, creamy pasta dishes, you’re going to love this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta. It’s even better than Alfredo! This recipe is loaded with robust garlic flavor, velvety parmesan sauce, and a smooth texture that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish will not disappoint.

Why This Pasta Is Better Than Alfredo

Traditional Alfredo sauce is made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. While undeniably delicious, it can sometimes feel too heavy. This Garlic Parmesan Pasta takes things up a notch by incorporating fresh garlic, a blend of cheeses, and just the right balance of seasonings to create a luscious, restaurant-quality dish at home.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta (Better Than Alfredo!)

Kev

This creamy garlic Parmesan pasta is a decadent, rich dish with a smooth sauce made from heavy cream, milk, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. The garlic adds depth of flavor, while the red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick. Perfect for a comforting dinner!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

12 oz pasta fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup milk whole or 2%
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a little kick
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup pasta water reserved from cooking the pasta
Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Gradually mix in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, allowing them to melt and blend smoothly.
Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
Simmer on low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Let everything cook together for about 2 minutes, ensuring the pasta absorbs the flavors.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Notes

Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Always go for fresh, block Parmesan and grate it yourself.

Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter. Sauté it just until fragrant.

Adjust Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, use more milk or pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer.

Try Different Pasta Shapes: While fettuccine is a classic choice, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work beautifully.

Enhance the Flavor: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of deliciousness.

What to Serve with This Pasta

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are a few great pairing ideas:

Garlic Bread: A crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: For a protein boost, serve this pasta with grilled or pan-seared chicken breast or shrimp.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
Steamed Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini add color and nutrients to your plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Half-and-Half Instead of Heavy Cream?

Yes! Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream will result in a slightly lighter sauce while maintaining creaminess.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

While best served fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Can I Make It Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and ensure that your cheese and seasonings are gluten-free as well.

Can I Add More Cheese?

Of course! If you love extra cheesy pasta, add a handful of extra Parmesan or mozzarella when serving.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The blend of creamy sauce, garlicky goodness, and perfectly cooked pasta makes it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving it to guests, this pasta is guaranteed to be a hit.

Give it a try tonight and taste why it’s better than Alfredo!