Name: One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne); 2 cups milk (whole preferred, or any you have); 1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta); 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; 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream (for extra creaminess); Chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)

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Introduction

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and comforting meal ready in just 20 minutes. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it delivers rich, garlicky flavor and a luscious creamy sauce that’s perfect for any weeknight.

A white plate filled with creamy penne pasta covered in a rich light yellow cheese sauce. The pasta pieces are layered smoothly, coated evenly with the sauce. On top, there are small green herb sprinkles and red chili flakes adding color contrast. There are also thin shavings of pale yellow cheese placed in the center. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with some scattered herbs around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups milk (whole preferred, or any you have)
1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the 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 (for extra creaminess)
Optional: garnish chopped parsley or basil

Instructions

Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce.
Step 4: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For extra creaminess, mix in the cream cheese or sour cream if using.
Step 5: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired, and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

Use whole milk or add cream cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
Swap Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.
To make it vegetarian, ensure your Parmesan is free of animal rennet.
Add cooked vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

A white round plate holds a serving of creamy penne pasta. The pasta is coated in a smooth, light cream sauce, giving it a slightly glossy texture. On top, there is a sprinkle of grated white cheese and small pieces of green herbs scattered evenly. Tiny red pepper flakes and ground black pepper are spread across the dish, adding specks of red and black colors. The pasta pieces are arranged in layers, mostly lying flat with some overlapping. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with spaghetti, linguine, penne, or similar shapes. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese, though the flavor will vary slightly. Avoid pre-grated cheeses that don’t melt as well.