Creamy black garlic butter pasta with vegetables is a rich and unique take on classic pasta. This is one of those easy recipes with robust flavor. It’s perfect for a quick dinner even on the busiest of weeknights.
Recently, I found out that there was such a thing as black garlic. I saw a tiktok video and had to get some. The lady on the video was eating the black garlic bulbs whole and said they were sweet almost like a fig.
Creamy Black Garlic Butter Pasta with Vegetables
This recipe is the first time I’m using this in a recipe and this creamy garlic pasta is a great combination.
If you haven’t cooked with black garlic before, this recipe is a delicious introduction. Black garlic’s complex, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor combines beautifully with creamy Parmesan, fresh vegetables, and butter for a comforting yet unique pasta experience.
Here’s everything you need to make this dish, plus some insight into why black garlic is such an exciting ingredient.
What is Black Garlic?
Black garlic is simply aged garlic. Through a careful fermentation process, regular garlic transforms over time, developing a darker color, soft texture, and rich, umami-packed flavor. Unlike raw garlic, black garlic has a gentle sweetness, a hint of molasses, and a deeply savory, almost balsamic-like taste. It pairs wonderfully with creamy sauces, making it the star of this pasta dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy vegetable pasta is satisfying, flavorful, and a bit unexpected. It’s a wonderful way to introduce yourself and your family to the bold taste of black garlic. Plus, it’s simple enough to prepare on a weeknight but elegant enough for a special dinner.
Creamy Black Garlic Butter Pasta with Vegetables Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 16 Ounces Thin Spaghetti
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Carrots peeled and diced
- ½ Small Head Cabbage diced
- 3 Bulbs Black Garlic smushed or diced
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese shredded, divided
- 1 Pint Heavy Whipping Cream
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta. Prepare the thin spaghetti according to package directions until it’s al dente. In a large pot of water cook the pasta. Drain and set aside.16 Ounces Thin Spaghetti
- Cook the Vegetables. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced carrots and cabbage, cover, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 2 Carrots, ½ Small Head Cabbage
- Add Black Garlic and Butter. Stir in the diced or smushed black garlic and butter. Let everything cook for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Turn off the heat.3 Bulbs Black Garlic, 4 Tablespoons Butter
- Create the Creamy Sauce. Add half of the Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts into the vegetables and garlic. Then, pour in the heavy whipping cream, stirring to combine into a smooth, creamy sauce.1 Cup Parmesan Cheese, 1 Pint Heavy Whipping Cream
- Serve. Divide the cooked pasta into four portions. Spoon the black garlic sauce with vegetables over each serving. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Tips for the Best Black Garlic Pasta
Adjusting the Flavor. Black garlic is milder than regular garlic, so if you want a stronger flavor, feel free to add more bulbs or even a dash of regular fresh garlic for a hint of sharpness.
Using Other Vegetables. This recipe is flexible. Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a colorful twist and more texture.
Serving Suggestions. Pair this pasta with a simple green salad and a side of crusty bread to round out the meal.
Recipe Variations for Creamy Black Garlic Butter Pasta
Protein Additions
This is a great recipe to switch things up with what you have on hand.
Grilled Chicken. For a complete meal slice grilled or roasted chicken breast and add it on top for a protein boost.
Shrimp. Lightly sauté shrimp in olive oil with a bit of black garlic, then add them to the pasta for a seafood twist.
Crispy Bacon or Pancetta. Crumble some crispy bacon or pancetta over the pasta for a smoky, savory bite that complements the creaminess.
Vegetable Swaps
Mushrooms. Add earthy mushrooms like cremini or shiitake. Sauté them with the carrots and cabbage, letting them absorb the black garlic flavor.
Spinach or Kale. Stir in fresh spinach or kale at the end. The greens will wilt into the sauce and add a pop of color.
Zucchini or Bell Peppers. Dice zucchini or bell peppers for added texture and sweetness.
Herb Enhancements
Fresh Herbs. Top the dish with fresh basil, parsley, or chives for a burst of freshness.
Thyme or Rosemary. Add a pinch of fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce as it simmers, lending a subtle herbal note that complements the black garlic.
Extra Umami Boost
Miso Paste. Stir a teaspoon of white or yellow miso into the sauce to deepen the umami flavor and make it extra savory.
Soy Sauce or Worcestershire Sauce. Add a splash of low-sodium soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for an extra savory kick.
Cheese Alternatives
Goat Cheese or Gorgonzola. For a tangy twist, substitute part of the Parmesan with a bit of creamy goat cheese or crumbled Gorgonzola.
Asiago or Pecorino Romano. Swap Parmesan with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper, more pronounced cheese flavor.
Spicy Additions
Red Pepper Flakes. Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a subtle heat that contrasts with the creamy sauce.
Chili Garlic Sauce or Sriracha. Add a small amount of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha for a touch of spice and a bit of extra garlic flavor.
Noodle Alternatives
Fettuccine or Linguine. Use wider pasta, like fettuccine or linguine, to help capture more sauce in every bite.
Gluten-Free Pasta. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free spaghetti or your favorite alternative pasta.
Whole-Wheat Pasta. It can be a great substitute in this dish. It adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, making the meal a bit heartier and more nutritious. Here are a few tips for using it.
Whole-wheat pasta typically takes a bit longer to reach al dente than regular pasta, so adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.
The nutty flavor of whole-wheat pasta pairs well with the creamy sauce and black garlic, but it might make the dish feel slightly richer. Adding a touch of lemon juice can help balance the flavors.
Make your own Homemade Pasta Recipe. We have a simple recipe for this.
Lighter Version
Substitute Greek Yogurt. For a lighter sauce, replace some or all of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt. Add it off the heat to prevent curdling.
Reduced-Butter Option. Use half the butter and add a splash of vegetable or chicken broth to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Brighten the Sauce
Lemon Juice or Lemon Zest. The acidity of lemon juice would brighten up the creamy sauce and help balance the richness of the black garlic and Parmesan. Here’s how you can incorporate it.
Lemon Juice Spritz. Just before serving, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 teaspoons) into the sauce. Stir well to blend it in. This adds a hint of citrusy tang that enhances the flavors without overpowering the black garlic.
Lemon Zest Garnish. For an even subtler lemon flavor, grate a little lemon zest over each serving. The zest adds a fresh aroma and a mild citrusy bite.
Infuse Lemon Flavor in the Vegetables. You could also add a squeeze of lemon juice while cooking the carrots and cabbage to give them a touch of brightness.
These variations add a fun twist to your recipe, letting you cater to different tastes or simply switch things up whenever you make it.
How to Store Black Garlic?
So, you were like me and purchased a container of black garlic. We used some in this recipe and the container is opened now. So, how do we store it?
Here’s how.
Black garlic is best stored in a cool, dry place, ideally in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing moisture or odors. Here are a few storage options:
- Room Temperature. If you plan to use it within a few weeks, store whole black garlic bulbs at room temperature in a dry, airtight container. A pantry or cupboard works well.
- Refrigeration. To extend its shelf life (up to a few months), keep black garlic in the refrigerator. Store it in a sealed container or bag to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.
- Freezing. For long-term storage, black garlic can be frozen. Place peeled cloves or whole bulbs in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll last for up to a year. Just take out what you need, as they’re easy to use even when thawed.
No matter the method, keep black garlic away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve its flavor and texture.
Pasta dishes are so comforting, and this one is no exception. Enjoy exploring this unique ingredient in a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite.
My family loved this!