One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining garlic, cheese, and a velvety sauce, it’s simple to make but full of rich flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups milk (whole preferred)
• 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, melt 1 tablespoon butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Pour in 2 cups milk and 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add 8 oz pasta. Stir well to submerge pasta.
3. Step 3: Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently (every 1-2 minutes) until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed, forming a sauce.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat. Stir in ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream until melted and creamy. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
5. Step 5: Stir in optional chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use whole milk for the creamiest texture, but you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version.
• Adding cream cheese or sour cream creates a richer, silkier sauce—feel free to include if you want extra indulgence.
• For a protein boost, toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms before finishing.
• If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little extra water or milk while cooking.

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 if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta shapes including spaghetti, linguine, penne, or even fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.

What can I do if my pasta isn’t fully cooked but the liquid has evaporated?

Add a bit more water or milk, a few tablespoons at a time, and continue cooking until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 69 reviews

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and comforting meal made by cooking pasta directly in a flavorful milk and water mixture, infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, then finished with Parmesan cheese and optional cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess. Garnished with fresh herbs, it’s an easy, delicious dinner that requires minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. Sauté Garlic and Seasoning: In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in 2 cups milk and 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add 8 oz pasta. Stir well to submerge the pasta.
3. Cook Pasta in One Pot: Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently every 1-2 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, forming a creamy sauce.
4. Finish with Creaminess and Seasoning: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream until melted and creamy. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, adjusting to taste.
5. Garnish and Serve: Stir in optional chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or herbs if desired.

Notes

• Use whole milk for the creamiest texture; skim or low-fat milk will yield a thinner sauce.
• Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the pot.
• Adjust water quantity slightly to ensure pasta is just covered but not swimming.
• For a richer sauce, add cream cheese or sour cream as suggested.
• To make it vegetarian, ensure Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly (no animal rennet).
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness and color.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

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