Description
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Cooked in just 20 minutes, this creamy, garlicky pasta uses simple ingredients like garlic, milk, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning to create a rich, comforting dish. Made all in one pot, cleanup is a breeze, and optional additions like cream cheese or fresh herbs brighten it up, making it a delicious and convenient dinner for four.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups milk (whole preferred, or any milk you have)
- 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: In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Pasta & Liquid: Pour in the dry pasta, followed by the milk and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently for 8–10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has evaporated into a creamy sauce.
- Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For an extra rich texture, fold in cream cheese or sour cream at this stage.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired, and serve the pasta hot immediately for best flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer; adjust the liquid amount based on pasta shape and size to ensure it's just covered.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with plant-based milk and use vegan Parmesan alternatives.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adding cream cheese or sour cream is optional but enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a bright, fresh flavor when served.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
