One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and comforting meal ready in just 20 minutes. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want delicious, creamy pasta without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups milk (whole preferred, or use 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, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For an extra creamy texture, mix in cream cheese or sour cream if using.
5. Step 5: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting texture.
• For a richer sauce, add the optional cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
• Try adding cooked mushrooms, spinach, or cooked chicken for extra protein and veggies.
• If the sauce thickens too much while standing, stir in a splash of milk when reheating.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little milk or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with various pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, penne, or even farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed based on the pasta shape.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 140 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and delicious meal ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines tender pasta with a rich and flavorful garlic-infused creamy sauce, all cooked together in a single pot for easy cleanup. Customize with cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess and garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant finish.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

• 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred, or any milk you have)
• 1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta)

Cheese & Seasoning

• 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

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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, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
2. Add Pasta & Liquid: Pour the dry pasta into the pot along with the milk and just enough water to barely cover the pasta. Stir everything together to prevent sticking and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Cook the Pasta: Lower the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently for 8 to 10 minutes. Cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has evaporated, creating a creamy sauce.
4. Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. If desired, stir in cream cheese or sour cream for an even creamier texture.
5. Serve: Spoon the pasta onto plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh, colorful touch. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.

Notes

• Use whole milk for a richer sauce, but any milk works in a pinch.
• Adjust water quantity as needed to ensure pasta is just covered to avoid dryness or sogginess.
• Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot.
• Optional cream cheese or sour cream adds extra creaminess but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a fresh flavor and lovely presentation.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor results over pre-grated varieties.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: One pot pasta, creamy garlic pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta, weeknight meal, creamy sauce, garlic pasta