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The Best One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

The Best One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

This is my go-to comfort pasta for nights when I want something warm, creamy, and satisfying without a sink full of dishes.
Everything cooks in one pot, including the pasta, which means less effort and more flavor. Garlic does the heavy lifting, milk turns into a cozy sauce, and Parmesan brings it all together.
It’s fast, forgiving, and easy to tweak based on what’s in your fridge.
In short, it’s simple food that doesn’t try too hard.
Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you want a meal that feels comforting without being complicated.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 430
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta spaghetti linguine, or penne
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups milk whole preferred or use any 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: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess
  • Optional: garnish Chopped parsley or basil

Method
 

Sauté Garlic
  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, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Add Pasta & Liquid
  1. Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
Cook the Pasta
  1. 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.
Stir in Cheese & Seasoning
  1. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For an extra creamy sauce, stir in cream cheese or sour cream.
Serve
  1. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot.
    The Best One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

Notes

This one pot creamy garlic pasta isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up hungry and doing your best with what you’ve got.
If it’s a little too thick, too thin, or slightly overcooked, congrats. You made dinner.
If it’s not perfect the first time, congrats again. You’re doing it right. That’s mostly what cooking is anyway.