One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) Recipe
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick, delicious, and comforting meal ready in just 20 minutes. Combining tender pasta with a rich, cheesy garlic sauce, it uses minimal ingredients and cookware for an easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a creamy, flavorful pasta without the fuss.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main 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 kind 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 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 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 the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered. Stir frequently for 8–10 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has evaporated, forming a creamy sauce.
- Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens. If desired, mix in cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer; cooking time might slightly vary depending on thickness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan cheese alternatives.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- The optional cream cheese or sour cream adds richer creaminess but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk.
