One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) Recipe
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta recipe is a quick and easy dish that delivers rich, garlicky flavor with a luscious creamy sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it combines tender pasta cooked directly in a savory mixture of milk, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, making it perfect for busy weeknights or simple dinners. Optional additions like cream cheese add extra creaminess, while fresh herbs brighten the final dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Liquids
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred, or any milk you have)
- 1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta)
Flavorings
- 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
- Sauté Garlic: 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 prevent burning.
- Add Pasta & Liquid: Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Pasta: 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 create a creamy sauce.
- Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. If desired, stir in cream cheese or sour cream for additional creaminess.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot to enjoy the full flavors and creamy texture.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, or penne; cooking time may vary slightly depending on shape.
- Adjust water quantity as needed to ensure pasta is just covered for even cooking and creamy sauce formation.
- For a richer sauce, adding cream cheese or sour cream is optional but recommended.
- Stir frequently while cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking and ensure an even creamy sauce.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a fresh aroma and color—feel free to substitute or omit if unavailable.
Keywords: creamy garlic pasta, one pot pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian pasta, creamy Parmesan pasta