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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 12 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender pasta with a garlicky, creamy sauce made from milk, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, this dish is comforting and flavorful with minimal cleanup. Optional cream cheese or sour cream add extra richness, while fresh herbs bring a bright finish.

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)

Flavors and Seasonings

  • 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

  1. Sauté Garlic: In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  2. Add Pasta & Liquid: Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Reduce 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 form a creamy sauce.
  4. Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For an extra creamy texture, fold in cream cheese or sour cream at this stage.
  5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh touch, and serve immediately while hot to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use whole milk for a richer sauce, but any milk works.
  • Adjust salt according to taste, especially if your Parmesan is very salty.
  • Stir frequently while cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
  • Feel free to use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • For a vegan version, substitute dairy with plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic pasta, one pot pasta, easy weeknight dinner, quick pasta recipe, garlic Parmesan pasta

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