One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) Recipe
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. Featuring tender pasta cooked in a rich, garlicky milk sauce, it’s enhanced with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning for irresistible flavor. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Liquids
- 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)
Flavorings & Fats
- 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, then add the milk and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for 8–10 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce.
- Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For a richer texture, gently fold in cream cheese or sour cream if using.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce, but any milk can work.
- Adjust water quantity to ensure pasta is just covered to avoid dryness or excess liquid.
- Frequent stirring during cooking prevents the pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Add cream cheese or sour cream for an extra luscious texture.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil brighten the dish and add color.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy garlic pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian pasta, weeknight meal, creamy sauce, Parmesan pasta
