There’s something about the aroma of garlic sizzling in butter that instantly makes a kitchen feel like home. I remember the first time I made this one pot creamy garlic pasta. I’d had one of those whirlwind days; no time, no energy, just a strong craving for something warm, savory, and comforting. I threw together garlic, butter, and cream with some pasta, and let it all simmer in one pot. My husband took one bite and just said, “Keep this one.” That’s when I knew this easy, creamy garlic pasta had earned its place in our regular meal rotation.
Today I’m sharing my go-to one pot garlic pasta recipe. It’s fast, simple, and doesn’t leave a mountain of dishes behind. From busy weeknights to lazy Sundays, this creamy bowl of comfort will always deliver.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Pasta
Quick comfort in one pot: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes. No complicated steps. No piles of dishes. It’s a creamy, garlicky dream you make in a single pot.
Flavor-packed simplicity: With just a handful of pantry staples; garlic, pasta, cream, and cheese, you’ll have rich, silky sauce coating every bite. It’s proof that simple ingredients can create sensational flavor.
Easy to customize: You can toss in grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or even a handful of spinach. It’s versatile enough to adapt to your cravings. Want a meaty variation? Try pairing it with this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a heartier combo.
Budget-friendly: No fancy ingredients or expensive cheeses required. This recipe proves you don’t need a gourmet budget for a delicious dinner.
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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is quick, rich, and full of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s made in a single pot with minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
2 cups water or broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (1–2 mins).
2. Add pasta, water/broth, and salt. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer.
3. Cook pasta until al dente, stirring occasionally.
4. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan.
5. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes until sauce thickens.
6. Serve hot with fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use low-sodium broth if desired.
Add spinach, chicken, or shrimp for variations.
To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy garlic pasta:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1 cup |
| Pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine) | 8 oz |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Water or broth | 2 cups |
Looking for a soup version of these flavors? Try this comforting Creamy Garlic Sauce Baby Potatoes!
How to Make this One Pot Garlic Pasta
- Sauté the garlic: In a large pot or deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Simmer the pasta: Add the pasta, water (or broth), and a pinch of salt. Let it come to a simmer. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick.
- Stir in cream and cheese: Once the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, reduce heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan.
- Thicken and serve: Let it cook another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta.
That’s it! One pot, no fuss, maximum flavor. If you’re into ultra-creamy comfort food, check out this Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi as well.
Tips and Variations
Make it your own:
- Swap the pasta: Use penne, linguine, or even rotini.
- Add protein: Chicken, shrimp, or turkey bacon work beautifully.
- Want it cheesier? Mix in mozzarella or cream cheese.
Storage Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale at the end for added color and nutrition.
If creamy dinners are your thing, you’ll love this Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best pasta for one pot creamy garlic pasta?
Spaghetti or fettuccine work best as they soak up the sauce nicely without breaking apart.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based butter, coconut cream, and dairy-free cheese alternatives. While flavor will change, it’s still delicious.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes or add extra grated parmesan. It thickens naturally as it cools.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure your pot is large enough and adjust simmering time as needed. It’s great for meal prep!
Final Thoughts
This one pot creamy garlic pasta recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few basic ingredients and one trusty pot, you can make a dish that’s creamy, garlicky, and downright irresistible. It’s quick enough for weeknights and cozy enough for weekends. And once you try it, it might just become your favorite pasta night recipe.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, don’t hesitate to join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
