If you’re searching for a fuss-free, utterly comforting dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser, look no further than this Creamy Spaghetti. With its velvety sauce, hint of spice, and plenty of fresh Parmesan, this recipe is a weeknight hero and a dinner party stunner all in one. Each bite is a perfect balance of silky noodles, gentle garlic, and just enough richness to make you long for another twirl on your fork. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy night or looking for the ultimate comfort food after a long day, Creamy Spaghetti checks all the boxes for taste, simplicity, and soul-soothing satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create such a delectable dish. Every item here adds an essential layer of flavor, richness, or color, making Creamy Spaghetti a standout meal you’ll want to make again and again.
- Spaghetti (12 oz): This classic pasta is the foundation, perfect for holding onto every bit of the luscious sauce.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Sautéing with olive oil forms a deliciously aromatic base for your sauce.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Infuses the entire dish with irresistible flavor—don’t skimp on fresh garlic!
- Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Adds sweetness and depth, melting gorgeously into the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick; add more or less to suit your taste.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret behind that silky, creamy texture that coats every strand.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty backbone—use freshly grated for best results.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out and balances all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle spice that perks up the creaminess perfectly.
- Reserved pasta water (1/2 cup): Helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling beautifully to your noodles.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Lends color and a burst of freshness right before serving.
How to Make Creamy Spaghetti
Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the spaghetti, cooking according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out half a cup of that precious starchy pasta water before you drain the rest—it’s the secret to perfectly creamy spaghetti.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic smells wonderful. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes during the last 30 seconds.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Turn the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently as you go. Bring it to a soft simmer—don’t let it boil!—then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth, glossy, and thickened ever so slightly.
Step 4: Toss the Spaghetti and Finish the Sauce
Add the drained spaghetti into your skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, making sure every noodle is blanketed in creamy goodness. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, pour in pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your perfect consistency.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and scatter freshly chopped parsley all over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Dish out generous servings while it’s piping hot—Creamy Spaghetti is at its best straight from the stove!
How to Serve Creamy Spaghetti
Garnishes
For a gorgeous finish, sprinkle extra Parmesan over each plate, add more parsley, and maybe a twist of freshly ground black pepper. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving never hurts, and a touch of lemon zest can lift the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
Creamy Spaghetti pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon. Add warm, crusty bread—perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce—and perhaps a serving of roasted vegetables for a fully satisfying dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual nests of creamy spaghetti on shallow bowls for an elegant look. Or, for family-style fun, pile everything onto a big serving platter and let everyone help themselves. For a special twist, swirl portions into ramekins, broil briefly with extra Parmesan, and serve as a comforting showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Creamy Spaghetti, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce will thicken as it cools, but don’t worry—there’s a simple trick when reheating to bring it back to its luscious self.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces can sometimes get a little grainy after freezing, you can still freeze portions in airtight containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and plan to refresh the sauce with a splash of cream or milk and a touch more cheese.
Reheating
Gently reheat Creamy Spaghetti in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of milk or cream and a splash of water to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir continuously until it’s steamy and smooth, ensuring the cream doesn’t separate or scorch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional for Creamy Spaghetti, you can swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even penne—just adjust the cooking time as needed and enjoy the same rich sauce on your favorite shapes.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?
You can substitute full-fat coconut milk or a rich unsweetened oat or cashew cream for the heavy cream, although the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Choose plant-based Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy finish.
How can I add protein to this dish?
For heartier Creamy Spaghetti, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms. Rotisserie chicken and quick-sautéed shrimp are both easy options that blend seamlessly with the creamy sauce.
What should I do if the sauce turns out too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in a bit more reserved pasta water or milk until you reach the perfect creamy consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer gently for a minute or two (before tossing with pasta) until it thickens back up.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and boil the pasta in advance, storing them separately. Warm everything gently together just before serving, adding a splash of pasta water to regain that signature creamy finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a bowl of Creamy Spaghetti with people you love—every forkful is the definition of comfort. It’s quick, soul-soothing, and endlessly adaptable, putting a smile on every face at the table. Give it a try soon, and get ready for rave reviews!
Print
Creamy Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this easy-to-make Creamy Spaghetti, a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil. Add red pepper flakes, then simmer heavy cream with Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Toss cooked spaghetti in the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Enhance richness with a tablespoon of butter.
- Customize with chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms.
- Opt for fresh Parmesan for the best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
