A rich, silky 20-minute pasta made with butter, garlic, cream, and parmesan. Add shrimp or chicken for protein.
Perfect for busy nights.
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 5 minutes
- Cook: 15 minutes
- Total: 20 minutes
🍽️ Serves
2–3
Ingredients
Base Pasta
- 250g spaghetti
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cream (cooking cream or heavy cream)
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 1 cup pasta water (saved from boiling)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Protein
- 200g shrimp (peeled) or
- 1 chicken breast, sliced
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
- Save 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. Cook Your Protein (Optional)
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan.
- Add shrimp or chicken.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until done, then remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, melt remaining butter.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds (don’t brown).
- Pour in cream.
- Add parmesan and stir until smooth.
- Add ½ cup pasta water to loosen the sauce.
4. Combine Everything
- Add cooked spaghetti into the sauce.
- Toss to coat evenly.
- Add more pasta water if needed to make it extra silky.
- Fold in shrimp or chicken if using.
5. Serve
- Garnish with parmesan, parsley, and black pepper.
⭐ Tip
Perfect weeknight recipe — one pot, minimal cleanup, always delicious.