Why You’ll Love One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
This pasta is a dream for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans. With its silky, creamy texture and robust garlic flavor, it tastes like something you’d get at a restaurant but takes a fraction of the time to prepare. Because it’s made in one pot, there’s less mess, less stress, and all the flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or yourself, this recipe is satisfying, comforting, and incredibly easy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
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Olive oil
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Fresh garlic, minced
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Vegetable or chicken broth
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Heavy cream
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Parmesan cheese, grated
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
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Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
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Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Once the pasta begins to soften, pour in the heavy cream. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the pasta is fully cooked and the liquid has thickened.
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Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
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Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
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Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon for a heartier meal.
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Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
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Go green: Toss in spinach, kale, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
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Vegan option: Use plant-based cream and cheese, and swap broth for vegetable stock.
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Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta brand—just adjust cooking times as needed.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between. This pasta is best enjoyed fresh but still delicious the next day.
FAQs
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking while cooking?
Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking, especially in the beginning, to keep it from sticking together.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be thinner and less rich. Whole milk is the best alternative.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Long pastas like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work well, but you can use short pasta like penne or rotini too.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can make it ahead and reheat with a bit of added cream or milk to refresh the sauce.
Is it okay to use pre-minced garlic?
Yes, but fresh garlic will give a more vibrant and aromatic flavor.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely—just make sure your pot is large enough to accommodate the extra volume.
What can I serve with creamy garlic pasta?
It pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let the pasta simmer uncovered a little longer or add more Parmesan cheese to thicken the sauce.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, most kids enjoy the creamy and mild garlic flavor. You can omit black pepper or parsley if desired.
Can I freeze creamy garlic pasta?
It’s not recommended, as the cream-based sauce may separate or change texture when thawed and reheated.
Conclusion
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a fast, flavorful, and fuss-free meal perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving something cozy. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again. Whether enjoyed as-is or customized with your favorite add-ins, it’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!)
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a fast, flavorful, and fuss-free dish made with minimal ingredients and ready in just 20 minutes. Creamy, garlicky, and satisfying, it’s perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta begins to soften, pour in the heavy cream. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the pasta is fully cooked and the liquid has thickened.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Use whole milk as a lighter alternative to heavy cream.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon for more protein.
- To make it spicy, add red pepper flakes.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
- Best enjoyed fresh; reheat with a splash of milk or cream if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
