One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a simple, cozy pasta recipe made with garlic, broth, milk, pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Everything cooks together in one pot, so the pasta soaks up the flavor while creating a creamy sauce at the same time.
This recipe is great for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or any time you want a comforting meal without using a lot of dishes. It is rich, garlicky, and easy to customize with vegetables, chicken, shrimp, or a simple side salad.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
One pot cleanup: The pasta and sauce cook in the same pot, which keeps cleanup easy.
Simple ingredients: You only need basic pantry and fridge staples.
Ready fast: This creamy pasta comes together in about 25 minutes.
Easy to customize: Add protein, veggies, or extra herbs to make it your own.
Equipment Needed
Large pot or deep skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Garlic press or sharp knife
Cheese grater
Serving bowls
Ingredients List
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
12 ounces linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
2 cups whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese, optional, for extra creaminess
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Timing & Servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Step by Step
Step 1: Sauté the garlic
Place a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring often. Do not let the garlic brown too much.
Step 2: Add the pasta and liquid
Add the pasta, broth, milk, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently so the pasta starts to soften and sit under the liquid.
Step 3: Cook the pasta
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring often. The pasta should become tender and the liquid should turn creamy as it cooks.
Step 4: Adjust the sauce
If the pasta looks too thick before it is fully cooked, add a small splash of milk or broth. If it looks too thin, let it simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes while stirring.
Step 5: Add the cheese
Turn the heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cream cheese if using. Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Taste and serve
Taste the pasta and add more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Stir the pasta often so it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer after boiling. High heat can make the milk separate.
Use low-sodium broth so the pasta does not become too salty.
If using long pasta, gently press it down as it softens instead of breaking it.
Serve right away because the sauce thickens as it sits.
Variations to Try
Add chicken: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or sliced grilled chicken at the end.
Make it veggie-friendly: Add spinach, peas, mushrooms, broccoli, or roasted tomatoes.
Add shrimp: Cook shrimp separately, then stir it in before serving.
Make it extra creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream with the Parmesan.
Use different cheese: Try Romano, Asiago, or a little mozzarella for a different flavor.
Serving Suggestions
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta can be served as a main dish or a side dish. For a complete meal, pair it with grilled chicken, baked salmon, shrimp, or meatballs.
For something lighter, serve it with a green salad, roasted broccoli, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. The creamy sauce also works well with simple sides that balance the richness.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
This pasta tastes best fresh, but leftovers can be stored for later. Let the pasta cool, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm it in a pot over low heat with a splash of milk or broth. Stir often until the sauce becomes creamy again. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each one.
Freezing is not recommended because creamy pasta sauces can change texture after thawing. If you want to prep ahead, mince the garlic and grate the Parmesan in advance.
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 430
Fat: 17g
Carbs: 52g
Protein: 17g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 610mg
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Garlic press or sharp knife
- Cheese grater
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 12 ounces linguine fettuccine, or spaghetti
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese optional, for extra creaminess
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the garlic
- Place a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, stirring often. Do not let the garlic brown too much.
Step 2: Add the pasta and liquid
- Add the pasta, broth, milk, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently so the pasta starts to soften and sit under the liquid.
Step 3: Cook the pasta
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring often. The pasta should become tender and the liquid should turn creamy as it cooks.
Step 4: Adjust the sauce
- If the pasta looks too thick before it is fully cooked, add a small splash of milk or broth. If it looks too thin, let it simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes while stirring.
Step 5: Add the cheese
- Turn the heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cream cheese if using. Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Taste and serve
- Taste the pasta and add more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
FAQs
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
Yes, but the pasta will be richer. You can use 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup milk instead of 2 cups milk.
Can I make this pasta without Parmesan?
You can, but Parmesan helps thicken the sauce and adds flavor. Romano or Asiago are good substitutes.
Why is my sauce too thick?
The pasta may have absorbed too much liquid. Add a splash of warm milk or broth and stir until creamy again.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, but watch it closely. Gluten-free pasta can cook faster and may need a little extra liquid.
Conclusion
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick, comforting recipe that makes dinner feel easy. With simple ingredients, creamy sauce, and only one pot to wash, it is a helpful recipe to keep on your regular meal list.