Print

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 7 reviews

A quick and delicious One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta recipe that takes just 20 minutes from start to finish. This easy-to-make dish features tender pasta cooked in a creamy garlic sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Base 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 milk 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 prevent burning.
  2. Add Pasta & Liquid: Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Reduce the 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 into a creamy sauce.
  4. Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. If you prefer a richer sauce, stir in cream cheese or sour cream at this stage.
  5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use a large enough pot or deep skillet to allow the pasta to cook evenly without sticking.
  • Adjust the amount of water to ensure pasta is just covered; too much liquid can make the sauce too thin.
  • Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

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