One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) is the weeknight dinner hero you didn’t know you were waiting for. Imagin extracte this: a steaming bowl of perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, all achieved with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s no wonder this dish has become an instant favorite for so many. The magic lies in its incredible simplicity; everything cooks together in a single pot, drastically reducing both prep time and the dreaded pile of washing up. This means you get to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a truly comforting and utterly delicious meal. What makes this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) so special is the way the starch from the pasta beautifully thickens the sauce, creating a velvety texture that coats every single strand. It’s pure culinary alchemy, delivering restaurant-quality results in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne are excellent choices for this recipe)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (butter will add a richer flavor, but olive oil works wonderfully too)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy with the garlic, it’s a key flavor here!)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk will yield the creamiest results, but feel free to use 2% or even skim if that’s what you have on hand. The consistency might vary slightly.)
- 1 cup water (this is a starting point; you may need a little more or less depending on your pasta and pot size to just cover the pasta)
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (using freshly grated cheese makes a huge difference in texture and flavor compared to pre-shredded)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste, especially considering the saltiness of the Parmesan)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (this blend usually includes basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, adding a lovely aromatic depth)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream (for an extra decadent and creamy sauce)
- Optional: garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil (adds a burst of freshness and vibrant color)
Let’s Get Cooking!
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is designed for speed and simplicity, meaning fewer dishes and more time enjoying your delicious meal. We’ll build the sauce and cook the pasta all in the same pot, transforming humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish in about 20 minutes.
Step 1: Prepare Your Aromatics and Pasta Base
Begin extract by gathering all your ingredients and doing any necessary prep work, like mincing your garlic and grating your Parmesan cheese. This ensures a smooth cooking process. In a large pot or deep skillet (one that can comfortably hold all your pasta and liquid), add your 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil and set it over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering or the olive oil is warm, add your 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter. We’re just looking for it to soften and release its wonderful aroma.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Seasonings, Then the Pasta
Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of water. Stir in the ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir to combine. Now, it’s time to add your 8 ounces of pasta directly into the pot. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. If the liquid doesn’t quite cover the pasta, you can add a little more water, about ¼ cup at a time, until it’s just covered. This is important for the pasta to cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta and Develop the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. You’ll want to continue cooking, stirring every few minutes, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente (cooked through but still with a slight bite). As the pasta cooks, the starches will release into the liquid, helping to thicken the sauce naturally. Keep an eye on it; if the liquid starts to look too dry before the pasta is cooked, you can add another splash of water or milk.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cheese and Optional Creaminess
After the pasta has reached your desired tenderness, remove the lid. The sauce should have thickened considerably. Now, stir in your ¾ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. This is where the magic happens! If you’re opting for extra creaminess, now is the time to stir in the optional 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream. Stir until it’s fully melted and blended into the sauce. This step adds a wonderful richness and velvety texture that takes this pasta to the next level. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Remember, Parmesan cheese can be quite salty.
Step 5: Finishing Touches and Serving
Once the sauce is perfectly creamy and has coated the pasta beautifully, remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit for a minute or two to allow the sauce to thicken just a touch more. If you have it, stir in your optional garnish of chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness. Serve the One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta immediately in shallow bowls. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce can thicken further as it cools. It’s a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce. Enjoy your quick, delicious, and incredibly easy pasta dinner!
Conclusion:
And there you have it – a truly delightful and incredibly simple One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) ready to grace your table! We’ve shown you just how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal fuss and even less cleanup. The creamy, garlicky sauce coats every strand of pasta perfectly, making this a dish that’s sure to become a weeknight staple. Don’t be afraid to experiment with serving this pasta as a main course alongside a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread for an even more satisfying experience. It also makes a fantastic side dish to grilled chicken or pan-seared shrimp. Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. We truly hope you enjoy making and devouring this delicious One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) as much as we do. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine or fettuccine work wonderfully, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Penne, rotini, or even shells will hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package directions.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can substitute it with evaporated milk or a combination of milk and a tablespoon of butter for a similar creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream can be used, though they may slightly alter the flavor profile.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) is best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce can thicken considerably upon sitting. However, you can cook the pasta and sauce separately and then combine them just before serving if you need to prep ahead slightly.
Creamy Garlic Pasta- Quick Minute Meal
A quick and easy one-pot creamy garlic pasta dish that’s ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal. All cooked in a single pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional)
- chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
-
Step 1
In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn. -
Step 2
Pour in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of water. Stir in ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Add 8 ounces of pasta, ensuring it’s mostly submerged. Add more water if needed to just cover the pasta. -
Step 3
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until pasta is al dente. Add more liquid if it becomes too dry. -
Step 4
Remove the lid and stir in ¾ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If using, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese until blended. -
Step 5
Remove from heat, let sit for 1-2 minutes. Stir in optional chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.