One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick, warm dish. It uses simple things you have at home. It cooks in one pot for an easy clean up. The sauce is creamy and mild, with a bright garlic taste.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is fast. It needs few ingredients and one pot. You can make it on busy nights. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so it tastes rich and smooth. It is great for a simple dinner that feels special.
How to prepare One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Start by reading the ingredient list and measuring everything. Use a large pot so pasta has room to cook. Mince the garlic small so it mixes well. Heat the pot on medium-high and watch the milk so it does not boil over. Stir often so the pasta cooks even and the sauce becomes creamy.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Steps:
- In a large pot, combine the pasta, minced garlic, and milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring frequently until the pasta is cooked and the sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
How to serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Serve hot in bowls. Add a little extra Parmesan on top if you like. A green salad or steamed vegetables go well with it. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp on top for more protein.
How to store One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Cool the pasta to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Do not freeze the pasta — the texture may change.
Tips to make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta perfectly
- Use fresh grated Parmesan for best taste.
- Stir often so the pasta does not stick.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk at a time until it loosens.
- Taste and add salt at the end, since Parmesan is salty.
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the milk.
Variations (if possible)
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a fuller meal.
- Stir in spinach at the end until it wilts for more greens.
- For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- For a meatier twist, try a baked pasta dish like Creamy Bolognese Pasta Bake as a next meal idea.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes. Short pasta like penne or fusilli works best.
Q: Can I use plant milk?
A: Yes, use unsweetened plain plant milk. The taste will be milder.
Q: How can I make this ahead?
A: Cook pasta almost to doneness, cool, and store. Finish cooking with milk and cheese when ready to serve.
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy dish featuring creamy garlic sauce with pasta cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the pasta, minced garlic, and milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring frequently until the pasta is cooked and the sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Use fresh grated Parmesan for best taste. Stir often to prevent sticking. Adjust consistency of sauce with milk as needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian