If you love dishes that bring comfort, flavor, and simplicity to your table, you are going to adore this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta. This recipe combines tender pasta with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce crafted right in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze and dinner quick to pull together. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory garlic notes, it’s an irresistible meal perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave rich indulgence without fuss.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is carefully chosen to layer flavor and texture while keeping things approachable. Together, they create a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta, making every bite delightful.

8 oz pasta: Spaghetti, linguine, or penne work wonderfully, offering different textures but equally soaking in the creamy sauce.
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil: Adds richness and a silky base to sauté the garlic for maximum aroma.
4 cloves garlic (minced): The star that infuses the entire dish with its bright, savory punch.
2 cups milk: Whole milk is preferred to enhance creaminess, but any milk on hand will work.
1 cup water: Added to just cover the pasta for even cooking and to create the perfect sauce consistency.
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce adding nutty, salty depth.
½ teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste; it brings out the flavors of all ingredients.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle background heat.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the pasta with classic Mediterranean vibes.
Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream: For an extra creamy, luscious finish.
Optional garnish: Chopped parsley or basil: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and fresh aroma.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Begin by heating the butter or olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or deep skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial because it releases the garlic’s wonderfully fragrant oils without letting it burn, creating the flavor foundation for your creamy sauce.

Step 2: Add Pasta and Liquids

Next, stir in your dry pasta followed by the milk and enough water to just barely cover everything. This is the trick to cooking the pasta and forming that creamy sauce all in one pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Lower the heat to a simmer and let the pasta cook uncovered for about 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently; this helps the pasta cook evenly and prevents it from sticking to the bottom as the liquid reduces into a thick, velvety sauce. You want the pasta to reach al dente perfection while soaking up all those lovely garlic and milk flavors.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Seasoning

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, it’s time to add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until the cheese melts completely. For those craving extra indulgence, fold in cream cheese or sour cream now to amplify the creaminess and make every bite melt-in-your-mouth delightful.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a splash of freshness and vibrant color, then serve your One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta hot. It’s best enjoyed right away to appreciate that perfect creamy texture and the rich garlic flavor at its peak.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like chopped parsley or fragrant basil is more than just a pretty touch. These fresh herbs lift the richness of the creamy garlic sauce with their bright, herbal notes and bring beautiful color contrast to the dish, making each plate as inviting to the eyes as to the palate.

Side Dishes

While this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a full meal on its own, pairing it with crisp, fresh sides like a simple green salad or steamed vegetables adds balance and texture. Garlic bread or crusty bread also works wonderfully to soak up any extra sauce, creating a satisfying and complete dining experience.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dress up this humble comfort food for guests, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a handful of sun-dried tomatoes on top. You can even swirl in a spoonful of pesto to bring an unexpected burst of flavor. Serving it in individual bowls with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and herbs turns this everyday pasta into a restaurant-worthy dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the sauce is dairy-based, it’s important to keep it chilled properly to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Freezing

Freezing this creamy pasta isn’t ideal as the sauce may separate upon thawing, affecting the texture. If you must freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month; just be prepared to gently reheat and perhaps stir in a splash of milk to bring back some creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. To restore that fresh creamy consistency, add a little milk or cream while warming it up. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Spaghetti, linguine, or penne are all excellent choices as they hold the sauce well, but feel free to experiment with fusilli or farfalle for a different look and texture.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago can work as alternatives. Keep in mind they might bring a slightly different flavor profile, but they’ll still enhance the creaminess.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk and swap the butter for olive oil. Nutritional yeast can be sprinkled in place of cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

How can I make the pasta extra creamy?

Adding cream cheese or sour cream at the end of cooking amps up the creaminess wonderfully. You can also stir in a little heavy cream or a splash more milk depending on your preference.

Can I add protein or vegetables to this pasta?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon make great protein additions. For vegetables, peas, spinach, or mushrooms can be stirred in towards the end of cooking to complement the creamy garlic flavor.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is truly a gem in any pasta lover’s recipe collection. Its dazzling simplicity and rich flavor make it a go-to comfort food that’s ready in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding loved ones, I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it has all the heartwarming qualities of a classic dish but with zero hassle. Once you do, it’s likely to become your new weeknight favorite.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 3 reviews

Author: Andria
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it combines tender pasta with a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce, all cooked together in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Optional cream cheese or sour cream adds extra creaminess, while fresh herbs provide a vibrant finish.

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 prevent burning.
Add Pasta & Liquid: Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir everything to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Cook the Pasta: Lower the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently. Cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced to form a creamy sauce.
Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir thoroughly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For extra creaminess, fold in cream cheese or sour cream at this point.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

You can use any short or long pasta you prefer, but adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Whole milk gives the creamiest result, but you can substitute with lower fat options or non-dairy milk.
If the sauce gets too thick, add a little more milk or water to loosen it up.
For a richer flavor, use fresh garlic over pre-minced garlic.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pot Cooking, Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American