Description
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. It features tender pasta cooked directly in a flavorful garlic-infused milk sauce, finished with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning for a rich, creamy texture without the hassle of multiple pots.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred, or any 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 Ingredients
- 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 prevent burning.
- Add Pasta & Liquid: Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir to combine everything then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for 8–10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced, creating a creamy sauce.
- Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For extra creaminess, fold in cream cheese or sour cream at this stage.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Serve the pasta immediately while still hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a creamier sauce, but any milk works.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and burning.
- Adjust salt according to taste, especially if using salted butter or Parmesan cheese.
- For a richer dish, cream cheese or sour cream can be added as optional ingredients.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a burst of color and freshness as garnish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy garlic pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian pasta, vegetarian pasta
