If you are looking for a dish that combines comfort, simplicity, and luscious creamy flavor all in one pot, then this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Imagine tender pasta cooked to perfection in a rich, garlicky, cheesy sauce with just the right amount of creaminess—no fuss, no multiple pots, just all the deliciousness coming together in one pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave that cozy, indulgent meal that feels homemade with minimal cleanup. This recipe truly delights the senses with every bite and will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is the secret to why this dish is both easy and irresistible. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s bringing depth of flavor, creating that velvety texture, or adding a touch of brightness to finish things off.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing garlic and adds a hint of fruity richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star of the show, garlic infuses the sauce with savory aroma and bold flavor.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds savory depth while cooking the pasta, keeping everything moist and flavorful.
- 1 cup milk (any type): Helps create that creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors.
- 8 ounces spaghetti or any pasta of choice: Your canvas for the sauce—spaghetti is classic, but feel free to use your favorite shape!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors to make the dish sing.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and contrast.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty tang that melts beautifully into the creamy sauce.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Elevates the sauce to a silky richness you’ll crave.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of vibrant color at the end.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Once warm, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it briefly, about one minute, just until fragrant but not browned. This quick step wakes up the garlic’s flavor and sets a savory foundation for the sauce.
Step 2: Add Liquid Ingredients and Pasta
Next, pour the chicken broth and milk right into the pot. Then add your pasta along with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine everything evenly. This step ensures the pasta cooks perfectly in a flavorful liquid, soaking up that garlicky goodness as it simmers.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Turn the heat up to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, making sure to stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick together. When boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and keep stirring frequently as the pasta cooks. After about 10 minutes, the pasta should be tender with just a bite (al dente), and most of the liquid will be absorbed.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan Cheese and Heavy Cream
Now, stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta. Watch as it melts, thickening the sauce and adding complexity to every forkful. Follow with pouring in the heavy cream, folding it in gently to achieve that luscious, creamy coating that makes this dish truly indulgent.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Remove your pot from the heat and let the pasta rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making each bite irresistibly smooth. Lastly, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh herbal note before serving.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
While the fresh parsley brings a lovely visual and subtle brightness, you could also experiment with other garnishes. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or even cracked red pepper flakes can add exciting final layers of flavor and texture to personalize your dish.
Side Dishes
This creamy garlic pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad for lightness or some roasted vegetables to round out your meal. Garlic bread is a classic choice, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, or a simple grilled chicken breast adds protein without overshadowing the pasta’s delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual small casserole dishes topped with a few extra Parmesan shreds and bake briefly for a lightly browned crust. Or toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach during cooking for additional texture and nutrients. This recipe is infinitely adaptable and perfect for impressing guests without extra stress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to preserve freshness and the creamy texture.
Freezing
Though tempting, freezing this pasta is not recommended as the cream sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed. It’s better enjoyed fresh or stored briefly in the fridge.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce looks dry to help restore that creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving on high heat to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth works great if you want a vegetarian option or just prefer a lighter flavor. It keeps the dish just as flavorful and delicious.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Spaghetti is classic here, but you can use any pasta you like—from penne to fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time if needed to make sure it reaches that perfect al dente texture.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream, and use vegan Parmesan-style cheese. The flavor will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious.
Can I add vegetables or protein to the pasta?
Definitely! Adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, cooked chicken, or shrimp can turn this into an even heartier meal. Just add them towards the end of cooking so everything is warmed through.
What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
You can replace heavy cream with extra milk plus a small amount of cornstarch to thicken the sauce, or use half-and-half if you have it. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be creamy and tasty.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe is one of those magical meals that tastes like you spent hours cooking but actually comes together in no time with minimal effort. It’s warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, perfect for any day you want to treat yourself or impress your loved ones. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 5m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 20m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A simple and comforting one pot creamy garlic pasta that combines sautéed garlic, chicken broth, milk, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich, velvety sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (any type)
- 8 ounces spaghetti or any pasta of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the garlic.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned, enhancing the pasta’s flavor.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then add the pasta. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring to boil: Stir occasionally as you bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring the pasta doesn’t stick to the pot.
- Simmer and cook pasta: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook while stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends smoothly into the sauce.
- Incorporate heavy cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well for a creamy consistency that coats the pasta thoroughly.
- Rest the pasta: Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a couple of minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired, then serve the creamy garlic pasta warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use any type of milk—whole, skim, or even plant-based milk—to suit dietary preferences.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- To enhance richness, add extra Parmesan or heavy cream to taste.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic as it can turn bitter.
- Stirring frequently during cooking prevents pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger servings.
