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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

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.

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

  1. Prepare the pot: In a large saucepan or deep skillet, heat the butter or olive oil over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
  2. Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Then add the pasta and sprinkle with salt.
  4. 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.
  5. Stir in cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
  6. 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