One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta – Cozy, Silky, and Effortlessly Delicious

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s infused with rich garlic flavor and made entirely in one pot. One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. The pasta cooks directly in a garlicky, buttery liquid, releasing starches that naturally thicken the sauce into a silky, restaurant-worthy finish.

This dish is all about simplicity done right. A handful of pantry staples—pasta, garlic, cream, and cheese—come together to create a luxurious texture without complicated steps. Because everything cooks in one pot, the flavors concentrate beautifully, and the sauce clings to every strand of pasta. It’s cozy comfort food that feels a little fancy, even though it’s wonderfully easy to make.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. It’s delicious on its own, but it also welcomes add-ins like chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, or spinach. You can dress it up for guests or keep it simple for a quiet night at home. Either way, this one pot creamy garlic pasta delivers warmth, richness, and that satisfying “just one more bite” feeling every single time.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley or red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat until melted and combined.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
3. Add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot, spreading it evenly.
4. Pour in milk and heavy cream, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
6. Cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Let the pasta rest for 2–3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to finish thickening. Garnish if desired.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

A rich and silky one-pot pasta made with garlic, cream, and parmesan—easy, cozy, and perfect for weeknights.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta Base

• 12 oz pasta fettuccine, linguine, or penne
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.75 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated

Equipment

• Large skillet or pot
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Sauté garlic in butter and olive oil until fragrant.
2. Add pasta, milk, cream, and seasonings.
3. Simmer uncovered, stirring often, until pasta is tender.
4. Stir in parmesan and rest briefly before serving.

Notes

Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

Tips & Tricks:

• Stir often to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
• If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
• Keep heat gentle to avoid scorching the dairy.

Variations:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta: Stir in cooked shredded or sliced chicken at the end.
• Shrimp Garlic Pasta: Add raw shrimp during the last 4–5 minutes of cooking.
• Spinach & Mushroom: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic and stir in spinach at the end.
• Lemon Garlic Pasta: Finish with lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with garlic bread or warm crusty bread.
• Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Finish with extra parmesan and cracked black pepper for restaurant-style flair.

Storage Information:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk.
• Best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce thickens when chilled.

FAQ:

• Can I use different pasta shapes? Yes, just adjust cooking time slightly.
• Will this work with half-and-half? Yes, though the sauce will be slightly lighter.
• Is it very garlicky? It’s flavorful but balanced—adjust garlic to taste.

History / Fun Facts:
One-pot pasta dishes gained popularity for their convenience and efficiency, but they also deliver incredible flavor by allowing pasta to cook directly in the sauce. Garlic-based cream sauces have long been staples in Italian-American cooking, celebrated for their richness and simplicity. This dish brings those traditions together into a modern, fuss-free comfort meal.