One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!)
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick, comforting meal made with simple ingredients like garlic, milk, and Parmesan. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s rich, creamy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups milk (whole preferred)
- 1 cup water (or enough to barely cover 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
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or basil
Instructions
- Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add dry pasta, milk, and enough water to barely cover the pasta. Stir well.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- When pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened, stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- For extra creaminess, stir in cream cheese or sour cream if using.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- Add mushrooms, spinach, chicken, shrimp, or bacon for variations.
- Red pepper flakes add a spicy kick.
- Use gluten-free pasta and non-dairy milk (unsweetened) for dietary adaptations.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk to maintain creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
