Name: One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne); 2 cups milk (whole preferred, or any available); 1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta); 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; 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream (for extra creaminess); Chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Creamy Garlic pasta is a quick and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender pasta cooked right in a garlicky, cheesy sauce, it’s both simple and satisfying. Plus, it requires minimal cleanup, making it a home cook’s dream.

A white plate filled with creamy penne pasta is shown, with about three main layers: the pasta itself is a light golden color, coated in a thick, smooth, off-white cream sauce. On top, there are small green herb bits scattered evenly, and three thin, pale yellow cheese slices placed in the center. The entire dish is sprinkled with fine white grated cheese and some tiny red chili flakes, adding contrast and texture. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the overall look is fresh, rich, and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups milk (whole preferred, or use any you have)
1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta)
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
Optional: garnish Chopped parsley or basil

Instructions

Step 1: 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 avoid burning.
Step 2: Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce.
Step 4: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For an extra creamy sauce, add cream cheese or sour cream and stir until combined.
Step 5: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

Use low-fat milk or plant-based milk for a lighter or dairy-free option, but note it may slightly change the creaminess.
Add cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
For a richer sauce, increase the cream cheese or sour cream to 3 tablespoons.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a creamy pasta dish with about three layers: the bottom layer is penne pasta coated in a thick, light beige cream sauce; the middle layer has small bits of red chili flakes and finely chopped green herbs spread throughout; the top layer is sprinkled with grated white cheese and topped with three larger slices of pale yellow cheese and a small sprig of fresh green parsley in the center. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the lighting is soft and natural. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works well with various pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, penne, or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the liquid as needed to cover the pasta during cooking.

What if I don’t have cream cheese or sour cream?

They are optional and used to enhance creaminess. If you don’t have them, you can still make a delicious sauce with just the butter, garlic, milk, and Parmesan cheese.