Name: One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne); 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups milk; 1 cup water; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon salt

Introduction

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, it delivers rich, garlicky flavor and a creamy texture without the fuss.

A white plate filled with a single layer of creamy penne pasta. The pasta is coated in a smooth, light yellow cheese sauce with fine grated cheese sprinkled thickly on top, creating a fluffy, soft white layer. Small green herb bits are scattered evenly over the cheese, adding specks of color. The texture looks rich and slightly glossy, and the dish is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups milk
1 cup water
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat until melted. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 2: Add the pasta, milk, water, and salt to the pot. Stir gently to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
Step 5: Serve immediately while warm, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use whole milk or a mix of milk and cream for an extra rich sauce.
Add a pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Mix in cooked vegetables or protein like spinach, mushrooms, or grilled chicken to make it a complete meal.
Reserve a small amount of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it gets too thick.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with creamy pasta made with penne noodles cooked to a soft texture. The pasta is coated in a smooth, off-white sauce with small specks of black pepper and garnished with finely chopped green herbs scattered evenly on top. There is a generous layer of light, fluffy grated cheese sprinkled over the pasta, giving it a slightly textured look. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, enhancing the bright and fresh appearance of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works well in this dish. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as it may vary depending on the brand.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

You can use Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a similar flavor. Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free alternative that also adds a cheesy taste.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 94 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and easy dinner option that combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Made in just one pot, it’s both convenient and delicious, ideal for busy weeknights when you want comforting flavors without the hassle of multiple dishes.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)

Sauce

1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups milk
1 cup water
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the pot: In a large saucepan or deep skillet, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Then add the pasta and sprinkle with salt.
Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring frequently, for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Stir in cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the creamy garlic pasta hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess.
Stir frequently while cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
You can substitute milk with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative for a different creaminess level.
Adjust garlic quantities according to your taste preference.
Reserve a little pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce after cooking.

Keywords: creamy pasta, garlic pasta, one pot pasta, easy dinner, Italian pasta