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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
