There is something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it comes together in just one pot. This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is rich, velvety, and deeply fragrant—a dish that leans heavily on the simplicity of garlic and pantry staples to create something truly memorable. What I love most is how effortlessly it fits into even the busiest evenings. Everything cooks in the same pot, allowing the pasta to absorb the broth and cream directly, resulting in a luxurious texture you simply cannot achieve with traditional boiling. I have even tested this recipe with almond milk when I wanted something lighter, and it delivered beautifully without compromising the creamy effect. Whether served as a quick dinner or elevated with add-ins like spinach, mushrooms, or grilled chicken, this pasta is an adaptable, no-fuss comfort meal that never disappoints.
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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple, comforting one-pot creamy garlic pasta made by simmering noodles directly in a rich garlic-infused broth until tender and coated in a velvety sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta of choice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add pasta, vegetable broth, and milk/cream to the pot and stir.
- Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid has reduced into a creamy sauce.
- Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust liquid as needed depending on pasta shape.
- For extra creaminess, add more Parmesan or a splash of cream at the end.
- Use gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish offers superb flavor with minimal effort. The garlic infuses the pasta as it cooks, producing depth without requiring complex techniques. Since it uses only one pot, cleanup is minimal—ideal for weeknights. The final result is a silky, restaurant-style pasta that you can enjoy as a meal or as a side.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Pasta
Dry pasta such as linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine works beautifully. Cooking it directly in the broth allows it to release starch, naturally thickening the sauce.
Garlic
Fresh garlic is essential. As it simmers, it mellows and becomes sweet, creating the base flavor of this dish.
Butter
Butter adds richness and helps the garlic bloom, giving the sauce a glossy finish.
Olive oil
A small amount prevents burning and balances the richness of the butter.
Chicken or vegetable broth
Broth gives depth that water alone cannot provide. As the pasta absorbs it, the dish becomes more flavorful.
Heavy cream or half-and-half
This is what makes the sauce luxuriously smooth. Both options work; heavy cream results in a thicker sauce.
Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding sharpness and body.
Salt and black pepper
These simple seasonings enhance all the underlying flavors without overwhelming the garlic.
Fresh parsley
A final sprinkle of parsley brightens the dish and adds freshness.
Directions
Begin by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant, taking care not to brown it. Add the dry pasta directly to the pot, followed by the broth. Press the noodles down to ensure they are mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat slightly and cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. As the pasta softens, it will absorb the broth and release starch, creating the foundation of the creamy sauce.
When the pasta is nearly al dente, pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and clings to the noodles. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper. Remove the pot from the heat and allow the pasta to rest for a minute; this helps the sauce settle into a velvety consistency. Finish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s silkiness. The microwave also works, but stir halfway through to keep the pasta from drying out. This dish is best fresh and does not freeze well due to the dairy content.
Variations and Customizations
Mushroom Lover’s Edition
Sauté sliced mushrooms in the pot before adding the garlic to create an earthy, umami-rich twist.
Spinach and Greens
Stir in spinach, kale, or arugula during the last few minutes of cooking for a nutrient boost.
Lemon Garlic Pasta
Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice for brightness and a refreshing balance.
Spicy Garlic Pasta
Introduce crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that complements the creaminess.
Protein Add-Ins
Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon make this a heartier main dish.
Herb Upgrade
Swap parsley for basil or thyme for a different aromatic profile.
Extra-Creamy Variation
Stir in a few ounces of cream cheese to intensify richness and body.
Dairy-Light Version
Use half almond milk and half broth for a lighter yet still satisfying sauce.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pasta, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Roasted Garlic Twist
Replace fresh garlic with roasted garlic for a sweeter, deeper flavor.
FAQs
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Yes, but fresh garlic will yield a more vibrant flavor.
What pasta shape works best?
Long pasta such as spaghetti or linguine cooks evenly and creates a silky sauce.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner; simmer a bit longer to thicken.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir frequently, especially during the first few minutes of cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Does the Parmesan need to be freshly grated?
Freshly grated melts better and prevents graininess.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, but use a larger pot and stir often.
Why is my sauce too thin?
Allow it to simmer a few extra minutes; the starch will thicken naturally.
What if the sauce becomes too thick?
Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
Can I add wine?
A small splash of white wine can be added before the broth for extra depth.
Conclusion
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a shining example of how simple ingredients can produce an elegant, comforting dish. Its one-pot convenience, rich texture, and adaptable flavor profile make it a reliable staple for home cooks. Whether you enjoy it as it is or customize it with vegetables, herbs, or proteins, this pasta promises satisfying results every time.
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