Print

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 121 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining garlic sautéed to perfection with creamy milk, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, this recipe creates a velvety, flavorful pasta all made in one pot for easy cleanup. Optional cream cheese or sour cream adds extra richness, and fresh herbs provide a refreshing finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Liquid

  • 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
  • 2 cups whole milk (or any milk you have)
  • 1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta)

Flavorings

  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. Add Pasta & Liquid: Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and just enough water to barely cover the pasta. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced into a creamy sauce.
  4. Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For an extra creamy texture, stir in the optional cream cheese or sour cream at this stage.
  5. Serve: Garnish the pasta with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use whole milk for the creamiest texture, but any milk of choice will work.
  • Be sure to stir frequently during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives.
  • Adding cream cheese or sour cream is optional but enhances richness.

Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy garlic pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian pasta, Parmesan pasta

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/one-pot-creamy-garlic-pasta-recipe/