Description
A simple and delicious one pot creamy garlic pasta recipe that combines tender pasta with a rich, cheesy garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish uses minimal ingredients and cooks all in one pot for easy cleanup. The creamy sauce is made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, milk, and optional cream cheese or sour cream for extra richness, garnished with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Liquid Ingredients
- 2 cups milk (whole preferred, or any milk you have)
- 1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta)
Seasonings & Cheese
- 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, then add the milk and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced to form a creamy sauce.
- Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts fully and the sauce thickens. For an extra creamy texture, mix in cream cheese or sour cream at this point.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired, and serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a richer and creamier sauce, but any milk works.
- Adjust salt and seasoning to taste as Parmesan cheese adds some saltiness.
- Stir frequently while cooking pasta to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese substitutes.
- This recipe is easily doubled to serve more people; just use a larger pot and adjust liquid accordingly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: creamy garlic pasta, one pot pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian pasta, Parmesan pasta, creamy sauce pasta
