Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create your own restaurant-quality Creamy Vegetarian Garlic Pasta right in your kitchen. This recipe is designed to be easy and approachable, even for beginner cooks, while delivering maximum flavor.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Generously salting the water is crucial – it seasons the pasta from the inside out, enhancing its flavor. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. “Al dente” means “to the tooth” in Italian; the pasta should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it, not mushy. Overcooked pasta will become soft and lose its texture when combined with the sauce. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold for pasta sauces, helping to bind the sauce to the pasta and create a silky smooth texture. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic to Aromatic Perfection

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the garlic sauce. In a large, deep skillet or pot (large enough to eventually hold all the pasta), melt the butter over medium-low heat. Using medium-low heat is important to prevent the garlic from burning and becoming bitter. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic, stirring frequently, for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. The aroma of sautéing garlic is one of the most inviting scents in the kitchen, signaling the start of something delicious. Be careful not to brown the garlic too much, as burnt garlic can have a bitter taste.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Stir to combine everything well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the sauce simmers, it will reduce and become richer and more flavorful. This step is crucial for developing the creamy texture we’re aiming for.

Step 4: Incorporate the Parmesan Cheese and Season

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The Parmesan cheese not only adds flavor but also helps to thicken the sauce further. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and then taste and adjust as needed. Remember that Parmesan cheese is already salty, so you may not need much additional salt. Now is also the time to add any optional additions, such as red pepper flakes for a little heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Finish and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water will help to create a luscious, emulsified sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Creamy Vegetarian Garlic Pasta is best enjoyed hot, right after it’s made, when the sauce is at its creamiest and the pasta is perfectly al dente.