Description
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a rich, comforting 20-minute dinner made in a single pan with garlic, milk, and Parmesan cheese. This easy recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful sauce that perfectly coats tender pasta—ideal for busy weeknights or cozy meals at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 cover 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
- Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic:
In a large pot, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. - Add Pasta & Liquid:
Add dry pasta, milk, and enough water to just cover the pasta. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil. - Cook Pasta:
Reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender and liquid reduces. - Add Cheese & Seasoning:
Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy. Add cream cheese or sour cream if desired. - Serve:
Garnish with parsley or basil and serve hot.
Notes
Stir frequently to prevent sticking and help create a smooth sauce.
Add a splash of milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
Customize with chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg