One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
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
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
- 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