One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a simple yet delicious meal that you can whip up in no time. It combines the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese with the comforting texture of pasta. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, since it all cooks in one pot, clean-up is a breeze!

How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Add pasta and pour in milk. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  3. Cook pasta according to package instructions, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
  4. Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Serve this dish warm on individual plates or in bowls. You can add extra Parmesan cheese on top for those who love a cheesy flavor. A side salad or garlic bread pairs nicely with this pasta to complete your meal.

How to Store One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This pasta can be kept for about 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a pot over low heat, adding a bit of milk to restore its creaminess.

Tips to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
  • Don’t skip the stirring while the pasta cooks to ensure it doesn’t stick together.
  • You can adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese based on your taste preference.

Variation

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli to make it even healthier. Cook them along with the pasta for a complete meal in one pot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or rigatoni.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
You can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, use plant-based milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, and you can substitute olive oil with a vegan butter alternative.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

A simple yet delicious meal combining rich garlic and Parmesan flavors with the comforting texture of pasta, all cooked in one pot for easy preparation and clean-up.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Pasta Ingredients
  • 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
  • 2 cups milk You can use plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Add pasta and pour in milk. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  3. Cook pasta according to package instructions, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
  4. Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.

Notes

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a bit of milk to restore creaminess. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli to make it healthier.