Simple, Easy, and Delicious Creamy Pasta Recipe
Simple, Easy, and Delicious Creamy Pasta Recipe is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Emma Jolly on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $6.85 total, $1.71 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces for even melting)
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Paste (store‑bought or homemade (blend peeled garlic with a pinch of salt))
- 2 cups Low‑Sodium Chicken Broth (use homemade or store‑bought)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat for best richness)
- 12 ounces Fettuccine Pasta (or linguine; break in half to fit pot)
- to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper (adds subtle heat)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated for best melt)
- to taste Salt (adjust based on broth saltiness)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish (optional))
Instructions
Boil Pasta
Fill the large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 9‑11 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: high heat
Prepare Sauce Base
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in the saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic paste and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Liquids
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir, then add the heavy cream, returning to a low simmer for 3‑4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the pasta (do not rinse) and add it directly to the saucepan. Toss gently, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium heat
Finish with Cheese and Pepper
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes glossy. Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Plate and Garnish
Divide the creamy pasta among serving plates. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color and a fresh note.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 70g
- Fat
- 25g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Olive oil (use less)
- Instead of Garlic Paste: Minced fresh garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Low‑Sodium Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth, Water with a pinch of salt
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑half, Whole milk + butter
- Instead of Fettuccine Pasta: Spaghetti, Gluten‑free pasta
- Instead of Freshly Ground Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Basil, Chives
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
- Colander
- Measuring Cups
- Cheese Grater
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking pasta al dente prevents mushy noodles.
- Sautéing garlic only until fragrant avoids bitterness.
- Allowing the sauce to reduce creates a creamy consistency.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality Parmigiano‑Reggiano for a deeper umami flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream for subtle warmth.
- For a smoky twist, finish with a drizzle of truffle oil.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thin.
Continue simmering to reduce, or stir in an extra tablespoon of grated Parmesan and a splash of pasta water.
Pasta sticks together.
Stir the pasta frequently while cooking and add a little more salted water if needed.
Garlic tastes bitter.
Reduce the sauté time; garlic should only be fragrant, not browned.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.
Freezer: Not recommended; the sauce may separate when frozen.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the garlic paste and grate the Parmesan ahead of time; store in the refrigerator.
- The sauce can be made up to 30 minutes ahead; keep warm on low heat and add the pasta just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of butter garlic pasta in Italian cuisine?
Butter and garlic form the base of many classic Italian sauces, especially in the northern regions where butter is preferred over olive oil. While not a traditional regional dish, butter garlic pasta reflects the simple, comfort‑food approach of Italian home cooking, emphasizing high‑quality dairy and fresh aromatics.
What are the traditional regional variations of butter‑based pasta dishes in Italy?
In Lombardy and Piedmont, dishes like "Fettuccine al Burro" use butter, sage, and Parmesan, while in the Veneto region, "Tagliatelle al Limone" adds lemon zest. The addition of garlic and cream, as seen in this recipe, is a modern adaptation that blends northern butter sauces with richer cream‑based textures.
How is butter garlic pasta traditionally served in Italian households?
It is typically served as a primo (first course) with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine. The pasta is plated hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a few fresh herbs, allowing the buttery sauce to coat each strand.
What occasions or celebrations is butter garlic pasta commonly associated with in Italian culture?
Butter‑based pasta dishes are often enjoyed during family gatherings, weekend meals, and festive occasions such as Christmas Eve when richer, comforting foods are favored. The creamy texture makes it a crowd‑pleaser for both adults and children.
What other Italian dishes pair well with butter garlic pasta?
Pair it with a light antipasto of prosciutto and melon, a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon, or a protein like grilled chicken or seared scallops. A crisp Pinot Grigio or Soave complements the buttery richness nicely.
What makes butter garlic pasta special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
In Italian‑American cooking, the combination of butter, garlic, and heavy cream creates a richer, more indulgent sauce than the traditional olive‑oil‑based aglio‑olio. This reflects the American preference for creamier textures while still honoring Italian flavor foundations.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making butter garlic pasta?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, burning the garlic, and letting the cream boil too vigorously, which can cause the sauce to separate. Keep the heat moderate, stir constantly, and add the cheese off the heat for a smooth finish.
Why does this recipe use chicken broth instead of just water or extra cream?
Chicken broth adds depth of flavor without extra fat, balancing the richness of the butter and cream. It also helps the sauce adhere to the pasta, creating a more savory profile than water alone would provide.
Can I make this butter garlic pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 30 minutes ahead; keep it warm on low heat and stir in a splash of milk before adding the freshly cooked pasta. Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container and reheat gently, adding a little broth to loosen the sauce.
What does the YouTube channel Emma Jolly specialize in?
The YouTube channel Emma Jolly focuses on quick, comforting home‑cooked meals, often featuring classic comfort foods with a modern twist. Emma emphasizes approachable techniques, budget‑friendly ingredients, and clear step‑by‑step video tutorials.
How does the YouTube channel Emma Jolly's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Emma Jolly blends traditional Italian flavors with American convenience, using pantry staples like chicken broth and heavy cream to speed up cooking. Unlike some channels that stick strictly to authentic regional recipes, Emma adapts dishes for busy home cooks while still honoring core Italian taste principles.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
