One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) Recipe
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and delicious dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines tender pasta with a rich, garlicky, creamy sauce made from simple ingredients like milk, Parmesan, and a touch of Italian seasoning. With minimal cleanup and optional additions for extra creaminess, it’s a comforting meal that satisfies without fuss.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Cooking, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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 available)
- 1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta)
Seasonings & Cheese
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional Additions
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- 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 avoid burning.
- Add Pasta & Liquid: Pour in the dry pasta, then add the milk and just enough water to barely cover the pasta. Stir to combine all ingredients, then bring to a gentle boil.
- 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 to create a creamy sauce.
- Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Add cream cheese or sour cream at this stage if you desire extra creaminess.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve the pasta immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk with any milk of your choice, including plant-based options, but whole milk will provide the creamiest texture.
- If you prefer a richer dish, add cream cheese or sour cream as suggested.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking and to help the sauce develop.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoother melting.
- Adjust seasoning salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- This recipe is best served immediately but can be stored in airtight containers for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: creamy garlic pasta, one pot pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, garlic pasta, creamy pasta sauce, weeknight meals
