One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a rich, flavorful pasta dish ready in under 30 minutes.

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 prevent burning.
2. Step 2: Add the dry pasta, then pour in the milk and enough water to just cover the pasta. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes. Cook 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 until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. If you want an extra creamy sauce, add the cream cheese or sour cream and stir until incorporated.
5. Step 5: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired, and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoother melting.
• Swap water for broth for added depth of flavor.
• Add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to boost nutrition and texture.
• For a vegan version, substitute dairy with plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with most short or long pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

You can use garlic powder in a pinch—start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste, adding it when you add the liquids instead of sautéing.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 72 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Made with minimal ingredients and cooked entirely in one pot, it blends tender pasta with a rich, garlicky cream sauce. The Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning add a delicious depth of flavor, while an optional addition of cream cheese or sour cream makes it extra creamy. Garnished with fresh herbs, this recipe is both easy and elegant.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Liquids

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

Seasonings and Flavorings

• 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

• 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 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
2. Add Pasta & Liquids: Pour in the dry pasta, then add the milk and enough water to just cover the pasta. Stir to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Cook the Pasta: 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, forming a creamy sauce.
4. Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For an extra creamy texture, fold in cream cheese or sour cream at this stage.
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can use any short or long pasta shape such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne depending on your preference.
• If you prefer a richer sauce, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or add cream cheese or sour cream.
• Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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