Name: Creamy Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 garlic cloves (minced); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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If pure comfort could twirl itself around a fork, it would taste just like Creamy Spaghetti. This luscious dish brings together tender strands of pasta, a silken garlic-Parmesan sauce, and a sprinkling of fresh herbs, creating bite after bite of pure joy. Whether you’re fueling a busy weeknight or treating yourself on a lazy Sunday, Creamy Spaghetti is the soul-soothing, crowd-pleasing classic you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t you love a recipe where basic ingredients join forces to make something extraordinary? Each of these kitchen staples in Creamy Spaghetti brings a special magic, whether it’s richness, creaminess, or that irresistible garlicky aroma.

Spaghetti: Choose your favorite brand; classic spaghetti holds the silky sauce beautifully for tangles of flavor in every bite.
Olive oil: This starts the sauce off with a fruity note and helps our garlic truly shine.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh, these infuse the sauce with warmth and depth—don’t skimp if you love big flavor.
All-purpose flour: Just a sprinkle thickens the sauce to that dreamy, cling-to-your-pasta consistency.
Whole milk: Use whole milk for best results; it brings creaminess and a subtle sweetness.
Heavy cream: The secret to a rich, velvety sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is ideal for that salty, nutty finish that makes Creamy Spaghetti so addictive.
Salt: Essential for lifting every other flavor in the dish.
Black pepper: A little hint of spice balances the sauce’s richness.
Dried oregano: Adds that inviting Italian aroma and a little complexity to every forkful.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end for color, freshness, and a restaurant-style flourish.

How to Make Creamy Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions, just until al dente. This means the noodles are tender but still have a little bite, so they won’t get mushy later. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve just a cup of that starchy cooking water—if your sauce gets too thick, a splash is a great way to loosen it up!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant but not browned. This step is all about building the deep, savory foundation that makes Creamy Spaghetti sing.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour right over the sautéed garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This quick “roux” will thicken your sauce later, ensuring every noodle is blanketed in rich, creamy goodness.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Gradually whisk in the whole milk and then the heavy cream, making sure to whisk constantly as you pour. Keep stirring gently for about three to five minutes, until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken into a silky sauce. Don’t rush this step—the slower, the creamier!

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Watch as the cheese melts into the sauce, creating the signature lusciousness that makes Creamy Spaghetti unforgettable. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce, using tongs to toss and coat all the noodles evenly. If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. You’re looking for every strand to be glossy and creamy—absolutely irresistible!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and serve the Creamy Spaghetti immediately while everything is hot and velvety. Have extra Parmesan at the table for cheese lovers to finish their plates with a flourish.

How to Serve Creamy Spaghetti

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped parsley is classic, adding vibrant color and a hit of herbal freshness that brightens up the rich cream sauce. A dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or more grated Parmesan also does wonders. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a few red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlicky roasted vegetables (like broccoli or asparagus) or a hunk of warm, crusty bread are ideal to round out your Creamy Spaghetti dinner. And in true Italian-American style, a glass of chilled white wine isn’t a bad idea either!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, swirl each portion of Creamy Spaghetti into a “nest” using tongs, then top with parsley and extra cheese. You can also serve it family-style in a large platter for dramatic effect. If you’re hosting, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled chicken breast on top for a fresh twist that makes this dish your own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Creamy Spaghetti cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but it’s easy to bring back to creamy perfection when you reheat it.

Freezing

Cream-based sauces tend to separate or become grainy after freezing and thawing, so freezing Creamy Spaghetti isn’t ideal. However, you can freeze the sauce separately (before adding the pasta) for up to one month if needed; rewhisk it over low heat before tossing with fresh pasta.

Reheating

To reheat, place the leftover pasta in a saucepan with a splash of milk or cream. Warm over low heat, stirring gently, until the sauce loosens up and the Creamy Spaghetti is heated through. Avoid high heat, which can make the sauce break or turn grainy. Add a touch more Parmesan or a grind of pepper if you like.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While spaghetti is a classic, this creamy sauce works wonders with fettuccine, linguine, or even short pastas like penne or rigatoni. Use what you have and enjoy—just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make Creamy Spaghetti lighter?

For a lighter dish, you can substitute half-and-half or low-fat milk for the heavy cream, or even use all milk. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious and creamy. Don’t forget to check the consistency and add more milk as needed.

What proteins go well with Creamy Spaghetti?

Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even strips of crispy bacon are wonderful with Creamy Spaghetti. For a vegetarian boost, try tossing in sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach at the end for added flavor and color.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce up to a day ahead. Just cool, cover, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?

Whisk the sauce constantly as you add the milk and cream, and continue stirring until it thickens. If you notice any lumps, use a whisk to smooth them out before adding the cheese. Adding the cheese in small handfuls while stirring also ensures a silky, luscious sauce every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a big bowl of comfort, look no further than Creamy Spaghetti. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day and is so simple to master. Gather your ingredients and give it a try—one taste, and you’ll understand why it’s a beloved favorite in so many kitchens.

Creamy Spaghetti Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this delectable Creamy Spaghetti recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family meal, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and simple preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

12 oz spaghetti

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves (minced)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare Sauce: In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil. Add flour, then gradually whisk in milk and cream. Add Parmesan, salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook until thickened.
Combine: Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat. Garnish with parsley.
Serve: Enjoy warm!