Description
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the ultimate 20-minute comfort food dinner. Made in a single pan with garlic, milk, and Parmesan cheese, it’s rich, creamy, and incredibly easy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or need a quick solo dinner, this pasta hits the spot with minimal effort and cleanup. Add your favorite protein or veggies to make it a complete meal!
Ingredients
8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups milk
1 cup water
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream
Optional: chopped parsley or basil
Instructions
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.
2. Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes or until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce.
4. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Stir in cream cheese or sour cream if using.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
Stir often to prevent sticking.
Add a splash of milk while reheating to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 35