If you find comfort in a cozy, decadent pasta dish that comes together effortlessly, this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe is bound to become your new favorite. Picture perfectly cooked spaghetti bathed in a luscious, garlicky sauce that’s rich yet delightfully light, all made in a single pot for easy cleanup. It’s the ultimate mashup of convenience, bold flavors, and creamy indulgence that screams homemade goodness with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple, everyday ingredients that everyone tends to have on hand, yet each one plays a starring role in building layers of flavor, smooth texture, and inviting color. Gathering these essentials is the first step toward a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity base and helps sauté the garlic without burning it.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star ingredient that infuses the entire dish with its aromatic punch.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Provides depth, savory notes, and the liquid the pasta cooks in.
- 1 cup milk (any type): Creates creaminess and tenderizes the pasta as it simmers.
- 8 ounces spaghetti or any pasta of choice: Serves as the satisfying carb foundation soaking up all the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the natural taste of ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle, warm spice.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds richness, umami, and melting goodness to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Turns the sauce luxuriously smooth and velvety.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh burst of color and mild herbaceous notes to finish.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil and Sauté Garlic
Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Once heated, toss in the minced garlic and gently sauté for about 1 minute. This step is crucial because it releases the garlic’s fragrant oils that form the flavor base without letting it brown or burn, which can make it bitter.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and milk right over the garlic, then add your pasta of choice. Season everything with salt and black pepper. The liquid mixture ensures the pasta cooks evenly, soaking up all those garlicky, creamy flavors as it simmers.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Raise the heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil, stirring now and then to keep the pasta from sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Keep stirring frequently to help the pasta cook evenly and prevent it from clumping together. Cook this way for about 10 minutes until the pasta is perfectly al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 4: Melt in Parmesan Cheese
Now comes the magic touch: sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir it thoroughly until the cheese melts and melds into the sauce, amplifying the creaminess and lending a mouthwatering depth of flavor.
Step 5: Stir in Heavy Cream
Pour the heavy cream into your pot and mix everything well. This is what transforms the dish into the velvety, dreamy pasta you’re craving. The sauce thickens nicely, enveloping every strand of spaghetti.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Garnish
Remove the pot from heat and let your pasta sit for a couple of minutes to allow the sauce to thicken a bit more. Finally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you want a splash of color and freshness before serving.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic and lovely way to brighten the dish, but you could also try a light dusting of extra Parmesan, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or even a drizzle of quality olive oil to elevate the richness.
Side Dishes
This creamy garlic pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables that add a hint of earthiness, or even garlic bread that doubles down on the flavors. For a heartier meal, a simple grilled chicken breast or sautéed shrimp complement the sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, twirl the pasta neatly into nests on the plates, then drizzle with sauce and scatter garnishes artistically. Serving it in shallow bowls also lets the creamy sauce shine. Consider adding toasted pine nuts on top for an unexpected crunch and nutty note.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover creamy garlic pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken during refrigeration, so a splash of milk or broth before reheating will bring back its luscious texture.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the creamy texture might change after thawing. To freeze, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your pasta slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a small splash of milk or broth. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to restore creaminess. Avoid overheating to keep the silky consistency intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, you can use penne, fettuccine, or any pasta you love. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes may need slight adjustments.
Is there a vegetarian version of this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep the flavor rich and fully vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing taste.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Definitely. Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain the creamy, cheesy flavor.
How garlicky is this dish? Can I adjust it?
This recipe highlights garlic for its wonderful aroma and flavor, but you can easily dial it up or down according to your preference without disrupting the balance of the sauce.
What if the pasta isn’t fully cooked but the liquid is gone?
If the pasta needs a bit more cooking time but the liquid is absorbed, add a splash more broth or milk and continue to simmer gently until the pasta reaches your favorite texture.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe is a testament to how a few simple ingredients and a bit of love can transform dinner into something special without the fuss. It’s utterly delicious, satisfyingly creamy, and quick enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for sharing with friends. Don’t wait to make this your go-to comfort food—I promise it will warm your heart and your taste buds.
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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 5m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 20m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick, comforting dish made by cooking pasta directly in a flavorful mixture of chicken broth, milk, and garlic, then finishing it with Parmesan cheese and cream for a luscious, easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (any type)
- 8 ounces spaghetti or any pasta of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot or deep skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the garlic.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in chicken broth and milk, then add the pasta. Season with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Bring to boil: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Simmer until pasta is cooked: Reduce heat to a simmer and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, approximately 10 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends smoothly into the sauce.
- Add heavy cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, creating a creamy, well-coated pasta.
- Let rest: Remove the pot from heat and let the pasta rest for a couple of minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top if desired and serve the creamy garlic pasta warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand; cooking time may vary slightly.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using salted broth or cheese.
- To make it dairy-free, use plant-based milk and cream alternatives and omit Parmesan or use vegan cheese.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking or burning at the bottom.
