From garlic pasta in creamy sauce to tangy noodles, we have a whole spectrum of tastes to explore!

The savoury and pungent taste of garlic in pasta makes it an instant hit as a party snack. Ingredients such as Parmesan cheese, herbs, or cream can add layers of complexity, making the dish creamy, nutty, or herbaceous are commonly added to recipes to bring about versatile flavours. Being a comforting and satiating dish, here are some easy variations of the basic pasta-garlic story.

Garlic Butter Fusilli Bites

Might sound a tad bit fancy, but fusilli bites are delish and smooth to serve.

Instructions:

Cook the fusilli according to package instructions. Drain it and set aside.

In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Now is a good time to mix the minced garlic and sauté well.

Next, add the cooked fusilli and toss to coat with garlic butter.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley, and season with salt and pepper.

Arrange the fusilli in small bite-sized portions on a serving platter. Garnish with extra parsley.

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Penne

Another party favourite that does not require toiling for hours in the kitchen and are super aesthetic to look at.

Instructions:

Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Now, sauté the garlic till its fragrance fills the place.

Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden brown.

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.

Toss the cooked penne in the creamy garlic mushroom sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme and serve!

Garlic Spinach Spaghetti Cups

This wholesome and hearty pasta recipe can be prepared within 15 minutes. Quite a saviour when you are anticipating last-minute guests.

Instructions:

Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.

Toss the cooked spaghetti in the garlic-spinach mixture.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.

Use a fork to twirl small portions of the pasta into bite-sized cups. Place on a serving platter and garnish with extra spinach.

Garlic and Broccoli Rotini Bites

For broccoli lovers, this one is heaven. Loaded with fresh slices of broccoli and parmesan cheese, a bowl tastes simply amazing with some salt and pepper. An Italian staple, this one surely be your constant for all the house parties.

Instructions:

Cook the rotini according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Add the steamed broccoli and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

Toss the cooked rotini in the garlic and broccoli mixture.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and drizzle with lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Arrange the pasta and broccoli mixture in small cups or bowls for individual servings.

Garlic Pesto Orzo Cups

A delightful Tuscan traditional pasta, green orzo is a medley of garlic, lemon, cashews, and tender rice-shaped orzo. A unique dish for pasta lovers, this one is also pretty simple to prep.

Instructions:

Cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté till it emanates a fragrance.

Toss the cooked orzo in the garlic oil and stir in the basil pesto.

Mix in the toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.

Spoon the orzo into small cups or bowls for individual servings.

Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Each of these recipes is tried and tasted around the world and has received a thumbs-up from all the pasta lovers!