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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

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3.8 from 80 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and delicious meal ready in just 20 minutes. Featuring tender pasta cooked directly in a flavorful garlic-infused creamy sauce, it combines Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional cream cheese for an irresistibly smooth texture. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe requires minimal cleanup and can be garnished with fresh herbs for added freshness.

Ingredients

Pasta and Liquids

  • 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
  • 2 cups whole milk (or any milk you have)
  • 1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta)

Aromatics and Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cheese and Extras

  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
  • Optional: garnish with chopped parsley or basil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves and grate the Parmesan cheese if not pre-grated. Measure out the milk, water, and pasta to have everything ready for cooking.
  2. Sauté the garlic: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the milk and water into the pot. Add the pasta and stir to ensure it is evenly submerged in the liquid. The water amount can be adjusted as needed to just cover the pasta.
  4. Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook the pasta in the liquid for approximately 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Continue adding a splash of water if the liquid evaporates too quickly before the pasta is fully cooked.
  5. Season the dish: When the pasta is nearly done, stir in salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Add cheese and optional creaminess: Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. If using, add cream cheese or sour cream for extra rich creaminess. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy sauce coating the pasta.
  7. Finish and serve: Remove the pot from heat. Let the pasta sit for a minute to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired, then serve warm immediately.

Notes

  • Use any pasta type you prefer; just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan cheese alternatives.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or water to loosen it up.
  • Adding cream cheese or sour cream is optional but adds a luscious texture.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/one-pot-creamy-garlic-pasta-recipe/