Print

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 7 reviews

A delicious and creamy one-pot garlic pasta that comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines tender pasta with a rich, garlicky sauce made creamy with Parmesan and optional cream cheese or sour cream. Minimal cleanup required!

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Liquids

  • 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
  • 2 cups whole milk (or any milk you have)
  • 1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta)

Flavorings and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. Add Pasta & Liquid: Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir everything to combine, then bring to a gentle boil.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered. Stir frequently for 8–10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced to create a creamy sauce.
  4. Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens. For added creaminess, stir in cream cheese or sour cream at this stage.
  5. Serve: Garnish the creamy garlic pasta with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce, but any milk works.
  • Stir frequently while cooking the pasta to prevent sticking.
  • Adjust salt according to your taste and the saltiness of Parmesan cheese.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute with vegan cheese and plant-based milk.
  • Add cooked vegetables or protein to make it a heartier meal.
  • This recipe works best with long or short pasta shapes but avoid very small pasta to keep the creamy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy garlic pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, Italian pasta, garlic sauce pasta

Find it online: https://deliciousdishspot.com/one-pot-creamy-garlic-pasta-just-20-minutes-recipe/