One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Imagine twirling your fork through silky strands of pasta coated in a velvety, aromatic garlic sauce – all made in just one pot. One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food that combines rich flavors with incredible simplicity. This luxurious dish delivers restaurant-quality taste without the fuss of multiple pans or complicated techniques. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly balanced creamy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta, all while using minimal dishes and common pantry ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is about to become your new favorite comfort food for so many reasons. First, the convenience factor is unbeatable – everything cooks in a single pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening. The pasta absorbs the flavors as it cooks, creating a deliciously rich sauce without the need for draining or separate steps.

The texture contrast is truly what makes this dish exceptional. Each strand of pasta maintains a perfect al dente bite while being enveloped in a silky, luscious sauce. The garlic infuses every element with its warm, aromatic flavor, creating depth without overpowering.

For busy weeknights, this recipe is a lifesaver – ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish. Yet it’s impressive enough for entertaining, where guests will never guess how effortlessly it came together. The balance of creamy indulgence with bright notes from herbs and cheese creates a crave-worthy dish that satisfies both sophisticated palates and picky eaters alike.

Ingredients

For this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, you’ll need:

• 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (about 2-3 tablespoons)
• 2 cups (480ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3/4 cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

The star ingredient is clearly the garlic – use fresh cloves for the most vibrant flavor. The combination of milk and heavy cream creates the perfect balance of richness without being too heavy. Freshly grated Parmesan (not the pre-packaged kind) will melt beautifully into the sauce, adding depth and the perfect savory finish.

Pro Tips

To make the absolute best One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, these three techniques will elevate your dish from good to unforgettable:

First, properly toast the garlic in butter until fragrant but not browned. This critical step builds the flavor foundation for the entire dish. Cook over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes until you can smell the garlic’s aroma but before it takes on any color. Burnt garlic will impart bitterness that can’t be fixed.

Second, don’t rush the pasta cooking process. The magic of one-pot pasta happens when the starch releases slowly into the liquid, creating a naturally thickened sauce. Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Finally, finish with the cheese off the heat. Adding Parmesan while the pot is still on the burner can cause it to clump or become stringy. Instead, remove from heat, wait 30 seconds, then stir in the cheese gradually. This creates the silky, smooth texture that makes creamy garlic pasta with parmesan so irresistible.

Instructions

Step 1

In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should soften but not take on any color.

Step 2

Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream, then add the dried Italian herbs and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 3

Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid as it cooks, creating a naturally thickened sauce.

Step 4

Check the pasta for doneness – it should be al dente (tender but still with a slight bite). If needed, cook for 1-2 minutes longer. The sauce should be creamy but not too thick – if it seems too thick, add a splash more broth or milk.

Step 5

Remove the pot from heat and let it stand for 30 seconds. Add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until completely melted and incorporated. This creates that velvety smooth texture that makes One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta so irresistible.

Step 6

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan adds saltiness, so adjust accordingly. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits, so it’s best enjoyed right away.

Variations

The beauty of One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta lies in its versatility. For a protein-packed meal, try adding sautéed chicken breast or shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking. The creamy garlic sauce pairs beautifully with seafood, making one pot garlic pasta with shrimp an elegant yet simple dinner option.

For a vegetarian twist, fold in sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach just before adding the cheese. The vegetables add color, nutrition, and textural contrast to the creamy base. The spinach will wilt naturally from the residual heat, maintaining its vibrant color.

Those with dietary restrictions can easily adapt this recipe. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and use a plant-based butter and cheese alternative. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness that complements the garlic beautifully while maintaining the creamy consistency that makes this dish so satisfying.

Storage and Serving

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is best enjoyed immediately after cooking when the sauce is at its silkiest consistency. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently to restore the creamy texture.

For serving, pair this luxurious pasta with a bright, acidic side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A simple arugula salad with shaved parmesan creates a perfect flavor complement. Alternatively, serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccolini for a complete meal.

For an elevated presentation, serve in warmed bowls with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc makes this simple dish feel like a special occasion.

FAQs

Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, though long pasta varieties like fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti work best as they cook evenly in the sauce. If using shorter pasta like penne or rotini, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly and monitor cooking time.

Why is my sauce too thin?
The sauce thickens naturally from the starch released by the pasta. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes after the pasta is cooked, or add a bit more Parmesan cheese to help thicken it.

Can I make this ahead of time?
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is best made fresh, as the sauce can thicken significantly when refrigerated. If you must make ahead, prepare it slightly underdone and add extra liquid when reheating.

Is there a way to make this lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use low-sodium broth. While still creamy, it will have fewer calories but maintain the silky texture.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Quick-cooking vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas work beautifully. Add heartier vegetables like broccoli or asparagus in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is comfort food at its finest — a velvety, aromatic dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that rescues busy weeknights while still feeling like a special treat. The balance of rich creaminess with the bold flavor of garlic creates something truly magical, all with the convenience of a single pot. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this pasta proves that exceptional food doesn’t require complicated techniques or endless dishes — just quality ingredients and a few simple tricks for a meal everyone will love.

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