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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) Recipe

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3.9 from 1 review

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and delicious meal ready in just 20 minutes. Featuring tender pasta cooked directly in a creamy garlic-infused sauce, it’s a perfect comfort dish that requires minimal cleanup. The recipe uses simple ingredients like garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, with optional cream cheese for extra richness, making it ideal for busy weeknights or easy entertaining.

Ingredients

Primary 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 the mixture to a gentle boil.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced into a creamy sauce.
  4. Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For an extra creamy sauce, mix in cream cheese or sour cream.
  5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Use any short or long pasta you like — spaghetti, linguine, penne, or fettuccine all work well.
  • Milk choice affects creaminess; whole milk is best but you can use low-fat or plant-based milk if preferred.
  • Stir frequently while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot.
  • Add cream cheese or sour cream for a richer, creamier texture.
  • This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture, as it thickens when cooled.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/one-pot-creamy-garlic-pasta-just-20-minutes-recipe/