One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Imagine a pasta dish so simple, so luxurious, and so quick that it becomes your secret weapon for busy nights and lazy weekends alike. Welcome to One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta. This recipe is the epitome of minimalist elegance, where humble ingredients—pasta, garlic, broth, and cream—transform in a single pot into a silky, impossibly flavorful sauce that coats every strand. There’s no draining, no colander, and barely any cleanup. Created by Emma steph, this method guarantees a perfectly al dente pasta infused with the essence of garlic and Parmesan, all in about 20 minutes. This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is proof that the most impressive meals often come from the simplest techniques.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

A quick and comforting one pot meal that features creamy garlic pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

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Pasta Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta Any type of pasta works well.
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup milk Can substitute with almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option.
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

Cooking

• In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add the pasta and enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
• Reduce the heat and stir in the milk and Parmesan cheese, mixing until creamy.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed. Variations include adding vegetables or proteins like spinach, broccoli, or grilled chicken. For a richer flavor, use broth instead of water.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy Garlic Pasta, easy recipe, One Pot Pasta, Quick Dinner

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How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add the pasta and enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat and stir in the milk and Parmesan cheese, mixing until creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

The Finishing Touches

Long Pasta: Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are ideal. Their shape allows them to lay flat in the pot and cook evenly.

Parmigiano-Reggiano: Freshly grated is non-negotiable. It melts seamlessly into the hot sauce, adding saltiness, umami, and helping to thicken it further. For another incredibly satisfying one-pot pasta dish, check out our Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni.

Fresh Herbs: Parsley or basil add a necessary pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Serve this pasta warm in bowls. You can enjoy it as is or pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. If you want to make it even more special, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

How to Store One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.

Tips to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

• For a richer flavor, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to cook the pasta.
• If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• Experiment with different cheese like mozzarella or goat cheese for a unique twist.

Variation

Feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins to this dish. Spinach, broccoli, or grilled chicken can complement the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.

How can I make this dish more filling?
You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even beans for extra protein. This will make it a heartier meal!

Why shouldn’t I add salt at the beginning?
A: Both the broth and the Parmesan cheese are quite salty. Adding salt early can lead to an overly salty One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta. Always taste after adding the cheese, then adjust.

Conclusion: The Definitive Quick Comfort Food

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves delicious food but values their time. It demonstrates that with a single pot, a handful of pantry staples, and a simple technique, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that feels both indulgent and effortless. It’s reliable, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to satisfy. Once this Creamy Garlic Pasta becomes part of your repertoire, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. in the end this is our pinterest account for more ideas.