Description
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Creamy, garlicky, and cheesy, it combines tender pasta cooked right in the sauce for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. With simple ingredients and an optional touch of cream cheese or sour cream for extra richness, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish that comes together in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups milk (whole preferred)
- 1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta)
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- Chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic and Seasoning: In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. This step infuses the oil with aromatic garlic and herbs to build the base flavor.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in 2 cups milk and 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add 8 oz pasta. Stir well to submerge the pasta completely so it cooks evenly in the liquid mixture.
- Cook Pasta in One Pot: Cover the pot and simmer on medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes. Stir frequently every 1-2 minutes to prevent sticking and to evenly distribute heat, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed, creating a creamy sauce.
- Finish with Creaminess and Seasoning: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optionally 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream until melted and smooth. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in chopped parsley or basil if desired for freshness. Serve immediately, optionally topped with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the creamiest texture, but 2% milk can also work.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference; more garlic or Italian seasoning adds more bold flavor.
- Frequent stirring during cooking prevents the pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- For a richer sauce, add cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for more servings; just increase the liquid proportionally.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best creamy texture as the sauce thickens as it cools.
