One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a rich, comforting dish made with simple pantry ingredients—all cooked together in a single pot. Creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor, this pasta is perfect when I want something fast, cozy, and satisfying with minimal cleanup. It’s a versatile base recipe that I can easily dress up with protein or veggies depending on what I have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this pasta because it’s so easy—no need to boil pasta separately or dirty extra pans. Everything simmers together, allowing the pasta to soak up the creamy garlic sauce as it cooks. It’s smooth, flavorful, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether I’m cooking for myself or my family, this dish is always a hit and feels like pure comfort food.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work well)
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Garlic, minced
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Butter
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Olive oil
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Chicken broth or vegetable broth
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Milk or half-and-half
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper
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Optional: heavy cream for extra richness
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Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Directions
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I heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant but not browned.
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I pour in the broth and milk, bring it to a simmer, and add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot.
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I stir often to prevent sticking and let the pasta cook uncovered until tender, usually about 10–12 minutes.
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Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has thickened into a sauce, I stir in the Parmesan cheese.
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I season with salt and pepper to taste and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 5 minutes to prep and 15–20 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in about 25 minutes total.
Variations
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I add cooked chicken, shrimp to turn it into a full meal.
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For extra greens, I stir in spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
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I use a splash of white wine with the broth for added depth.
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I swap in plant-based milk and vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. It also microwaves well in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, I usually use long pasta like spaghetti or linguine, but short pasta like penne or rotini works too—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What if the sauce gets too thick?
I stir in a bit more milk or broth at the end until I get the consistency I want.
Can I make it without cheese?
Yes, I can skip the Parmesan, but the cheese adds richness and flavor. I sometimes use a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast.
Is this dish vegetarian?
If I use vegetable broth and skip meat add-ins, yes—it’s totally vegetarian.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. I just make sure to use a large enough pot and stir often to keep everything cooking evenly.
Conclusion
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is my go-to when I want something warm, comforting, and delicious without the mess. It’s creamy, garlicky, and endlessly flexible depending on what I’m craving. I love how easy it is to make, and the fact that it all comes together in one pot makes cleanup a breeze.
