Description
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and easy dinner recipe perfect for busy weeknights. It combines pasta, garlic, and a creamy sauce made with milk and Parmesan cheese, cooked all together in one pot for minimal cleanup. The dish is rich, flavorful, and can be customized with optional cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess and fresh herbs for garnish.
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 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: Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered. Stir frequently for 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce.
- Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For an even creamier texture, fold in the cream cheese or sour cream at this stage.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired, and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- For a vegan version, substitute dairy milk and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
- Make sure to stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust salt and seasoning according to your taste preference.
- Adding cream cheese or sour cream is optional but enhances the richness of the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
