If you’re craving a comforting yet effortless meal, this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine tender pasta simmered in a fragrant garlic-infused broth, finished with luscious Parmesan and a splash of cream—all made in a single pot for minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect dish when you want something satisfying, rich, and wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a soul-warming experience that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a cozy pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together harmoniously. Each one plays a key role—from the savory garlic that wakes up your taste buds, to the creamy dairy that transforms the dish into pure indulgence. You probably have most of these staples in your pantry or fridge already, making this an easy go-to meal any time.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The base for sautéing garlic, adding richness and depth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the dish its signature fragrant punch.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds savory flavor and helps cook the pasta perfectly.
- 1 cup milk (any type): Creamy element that balances the garlic’s sharpness.
- 8 ounces spaghetti or any pasta of choice: Your canvas for the creamy sauce, cook it to lovely al dente texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just a bit of gentle warmth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers umami richness and thickens the sauce.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds silky smoothness for that luxurious finish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): A bright, fresh note and pretty pop of green.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Begin by warming your olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or deep skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook gently for about a minute until its intoxicating aroma fills your kitchen. Be careful not to let it brown, since burnt garlic can add bitterness to your dish.
Step 2: Combine Liquids and Pasta
Next, pour in the chicken broth and milk right into the same pot. Add your pasta now, along with the salt and pepper to season. This method lets the pasta soak up all those flavors as it cooks, instead of boiling separately.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring everything to a boil, giving it an occasional stir to avoid the noodles sticking to the bottom. Once boiling, turn the heat down to a gentle simmer and keep stirring frequently. This phase takes about 10 minutes and you want the pasta to become tender but still have a satisfying bite while most of the liquid evaporates.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
When the pasta is just right, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. It melts into the mix, thickening the sauce and delivering that deliciously rich, savory hit we all love.
Step 5: Finish with Cream
Now, add the heavy cream, swirling it in for a velvety finish that coats every strand of pasta beautifully. Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes to let the sauce thicken up perfectly.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a wonderful way to add a fresh herbal brightness and a lovely splash of color. If you want to kick it up a notch, a dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil makes an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
This creamy garlic pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or roasted vegetables also complement the flavors beautifully, turning your meal into a well-rounded feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in rustic bowls for a cozy vibe or plate it on a wide dish adorned with a sprig of parsley for a simple yet sophisticated look. For a fun twist, top with crispy bacon bits or toasted pine nuts to add texture and extra flavor layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your creamy garlic pasta will keep well for up to 3 days—making it a perfect lunch the next day.
Freezing
Because of the creamy texture, freezing this pasta is a bit tricky as the sauce may separate upon thawing. If you do choose to freeze, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month. Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess and prevent drying out. Stir constantly to bring back that silky, luscious texture. Microwaving works too, but be sure to heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, feel free to experiment with penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free varieties. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they can vary.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and you’ll maintain all the delicious flavor while keeping it meat-free and just as comforting.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, replace the milk and cream with coconut or almond milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still tasty and creamy.
How can I add protein to this pasta?
Adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu are great ways to boost protein. Toss them in near the end to warm through without overcooking.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! You can substitute with more milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, or use half-and-half if you have it on hand.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves creamy, garlicky comfort food without the fuss. Easy to prepare and utterly satisfying, it’s a dish that feels special yet fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it a regular in your dinner rotation!
Print
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and easy one-pot creamy garlic pasta recipe featuring tender spaghetti cooked in a flavorful mixture of chicken broth and milk, enhanced with Parmesan cheese and heavy cream for a luscious sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (any type)
- 8 ounces spaghetti or any pasta of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sauté Garlic: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then add the pasta. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Boil and Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed, approximately 10 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes well combined.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir thoroughly to create a creamy sauce that evenly coats the pasta.
- Rest the Pasta: Remove the pot from heat and let the pasta rest for a couple of minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy garlic pasta.
Notes
- Use any type of milk depending on preference or dietary needs; whole milk will yield a richer sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Be attentive while simmering to avoid the pasta sticking to the pot or overcooking.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavor and melts better than pre-grated varieties.
- Garnish with parsley for an added fresh flavor and color contrast.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
