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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 51 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and comforting Italian-inspired dish that blends tender pasta with a rich, garlicky, and cheesy sauce. Using minimal ingredients and one pot, this recipe delivers creamy, flavorful pasta perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy dinner. The dish features sautéed garlic for aroma, milk and water to cook the pasta, and Parmesan cheese for a luscious finish, with optional cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess and fresh herbs for garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Liquids

  • 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)

Flavorings and Fats

  • 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 olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  2. Add Pasta & Liquid: Pour in the dry pasta, then add the milk and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir the mixture to combine.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 8 to 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. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For an extra creamy texture, fold in cream cheese or sour cream at this stage.
  5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot to enjoy the full creamy, garlicky flavors.

Notes

  • Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce, but any milk you have on hand can work.
  • Adjust the water quantity depending on your pasta shape to ensure it is just covered for even cooking.
  • Stir frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and promote an even creamy sauce.
  • Optional cream cheese or sour cream enriches the sauce but can be omitted for a lighter version.
  • Fresh herbs as garnish enhance the flavor and add a pop of color.

Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy garlic pasta, easy pasta recipe, stovetop pasta, Italian pasta dish, quick dinner

Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/one-pot-creamy-garlic-pasta-recipe/