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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

5.1 from 19 reviews

A quick and easy one-pot creamy garlic pasta recipe that combines tender pasta with a rich and flavorful garlic-infused creamy sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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 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 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  2. Add Pasta & Liquid: 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. Cook the Pasta: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes or until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce.
  4. Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For an extra creamy sauce, stir in cream cheese or sour cream.
  5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Use any pasta shape you prefer, but thin or medium shapes like spaghetti, linguine, or penne work best.
  • Adjust water quantity to ensure the pasta is just submerged to avoid dry or overly watery pasta.
  • For a richer sauce, add cream cheese or sour cream, but this is optional.
  • Stir often during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the pot.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for best flavor and melting quality.
  • This recipe can be customized by adding cooked vegetables or protein of your choice.
  • Best served immediately as the sauce thickens upon standing.

Nutrition

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