One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

Introduction

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender pasta with a rich, garlicky sauce made in just one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups milk (whole preferred, or any you have)
• 1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta)
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
• Optional: garnish chopped parsley or basil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
2. Step 2: Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce.
4. Step 4: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For an extra creamy texture, add cream cheese or sour cream and stir until combined.
5. Step 5: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use whole milk for a richer sauce, or substitute with plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
• Adding cream cheese or sour cream creates a silkier, more indulgent texture.
• Try different pasta shapes to vary the texture and presentation.
• For a protein boost, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce and warm over low heat until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works well with any pasta shape like spaghetti, linguine, penne, or even fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk, and substitute Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 76 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and easy meal combining tender pasta in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. With simple pantry ingredients, you can create a luscious, comforting dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Pasta and Liquids

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
• 2 cups milk (whole preferred, or any kind you have)
• 1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta)

Flavorings and Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Optional Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
• Chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté Garlic: In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
2. Add Pasta & Liquid: Add the dry pasta to the pot along with the milk and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes. Continue cooking until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has evaporated or reduced to form a creamy sauce.
4. Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens evenly. For an extra creamy texture, fold in the cream cheese or sour cream if using.
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich and flavorful creamy garlic pasta.

Notes

• Use whole milk for a richer sauce, but any milk substitute can work.
• Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking or burning at the bottom.
• Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
• Adding cream cheese or sour cream is optional but enhances creaminess.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated varieties.
• Use a deep skillet or pot wide enough to allow even cooking and stirring.

Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy garlic pasta, easy pasta recipe, stovetop pasta, quick dinner, Italian pasta dish