15-Minute Creamy Garlic Basil Pasta
A rich, satisfying pasta dish made with garlic, basil, and a creamy dairy sauce. Ready in 15 minutes with simple ingredients and no heavy cream or alcohol.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Quick Dinner Recipes
- Method: Stovetop cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
8 ounces pasta, any type
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely grated
1 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 lemon, zested
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
Crushed Aleppo chile flakes (optional)
Instructions
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant
Stir in evaporated milk, cornstarch, and Parmesan until smooth
Add lemon zest and juice, salt, and most of the basil
Toss cooked pasta into the skillet to coat
Stir in fresh basil and optional chile flakes before serving
Notes
Use gluten-free pasta if needed
Add vegan Parmesan for vegetarian option
Optional crushed red pepper flakes for spice
Garnish with extra basil leaves and lemon wedges
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 7-8 oz)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg