One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Quick, Easy & SO Good)

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the weekday dinner you didn’t know you desperately needed—until now. Whether you’re staring down a nearly empty fridge or just can’t even with dishes tonight, this creamy, garlicky pasta comes to the rescue. It’s quick, it’s cozy, and it all goes down in a single pan. You’ve probably got the ingredients on hand (hello, pantry MVPs), and you can dress it up or keep it classic. Oh, and did I mention it’s done in 20 minutes? Yup, it’s your new best friend for busy nights.

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What is One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta?

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is exactly what it sounds like—pasta cooked in one pot (less cleanup!) in a luscious, creamy sauce flavored with garlic, milk, and Parmesan. Instead of boiling pasta separately, everything cooks together, which means fewer dishes and more flavor as the noodles soak up the garlicky goodness. It’s part Italian comfort food, part modern kitchen hack. And it’s flexible—you can go plain-Jane or toss in grilled chicken, spinach, or even leftover roasted veggies.

Reasons to Try One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Let’s be real: life is hectic. Between work, school pickups, and the dog chewing something he shouldn’t, who has time to wash three pots? One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the lazy-cook’s dream without sacrificing flavor. It’s creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness in every bite—and takes less time than watching one episode of your favorite Netflix show. Plus, picky eaters? They’ll be too busy scarfing it down to complain. Bonus: it’s easily adaptable for meat lovers or vegetarians alike.

Ingredients Needed to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

One of the best things about One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is how it uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No fancy sauces or obscure cheeses—just cozy pantry staples that come together in the creamiest, most garlicky way possible. If you’re always on the lookout for low-effort meals that don’t taste low-effort, this one’s a keeper.

Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need—and why it matters:

• 8 oz pasta – You can use spaghetti, linguine, or penne. Really, whatever shape your household prefers. Long noodles give it that classic creamy swirl, while penne holds onto the sauce like a champ. If you love cheesy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy our Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, which uses a similar pantry-friendly pasta base.
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil – This is your flavor foundation. Butter brings a rich, indulgent vibe, while olive oil gives a slightly lighter, Mediterranean feel. Either one works—just don’t skip this step!
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – The star of the show. Use fresh garlic if you can—jarred minced garlic will do in a pinch, but fresh adds a deeper, sweeter aroma that really carries the dish. This is a creamy garlic pasta after all, so don’t be shy with it.
• 2 cups milk – Whole milk is ideal for that ultra-creamy texture, but 2% or even oat milk can work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s plain and unsweetened. The milk not only creates the sauce but also cooks the pasta—one pot magic.
• 1 cup water – This helps thin out the milk so it doesn’t scald during cooking and gives the pasta enough liquid to soak up. You’ll want just enough to barely cover the pasta in the pot—no draining required.
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Skip the shelf-stable shaker kind here. Freshly grated Parm melts more smoothly and gives that deep, salty kick that balances the creaminess. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano works great too.
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste) – Start with a light hand—you can always add more once the cheese is in, since Parmesan brings a lot of salt on its own.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Just enough to cut through the richness without overpowering the garlic flavor. Freshly ground if you’ve got it!
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – This adds a cozy, herby background flavor with oregano, basil, thyme, and sometimes rosemary or marjoram. You can also customize with your own blend if you’re feeling creative.
• Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream – If you want your sauce extra silky and thick, this is the move. Stir it in at the end for bonus indulgence. It’s not required, but it takes this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta from “yum” to “YAAAS.”
• Optional garnish: Fresh chopped parsley or basil – It’s not just for looks. A sprinkle of herbs brightens the dish and adds a little pop of freshness to balance the rich sauce.

Instructions to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Making One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is all about simplicity and flavor—with minimal cleanup. Everything cooks in a single pot (yes, even the pasta), and the result is a silky, garlicky sauce that clings to every bite. Here’s how to make it happen, step by step:

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Start with flavor—garlic first.
Place a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil (your choice—both work beautifully). Once melted and slightly sizzling, toss in 4 cloves of freshly minced garlic. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes, just until it’s soft and fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing.

Tip: Don’t let the garlic brown—it turns bitter fast. Keep it moving in the pan.

Step 2: Add the Pasta and Liquid

No need to boil separately—this is one-pot magic.
Pour in 8 oz of your dry pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine all work great). Immediately add 2 cups of milk and just enough water (about 1 cup) to barely cover the pasta. Give it all a gentle stir.

The pasta will soak up the liquid as it cooks, creating its own creamy sauce. It’s like pasta that cooks in its own Alfredo bath.

Step 3: Bring It to a Boil

Get things moving.
Turn the heat up slightly to bring everything to a gentle boil. Stir often to prevent the milk from scorching or the pasta from sticking to the bottom.

Unlike traditional pasta where you pour off the cooking water, here you want to keep all that liquid—it’s the base of your creamy garlic sauce.

Step 4: Simmer Until Al Dente

Time to slow it down.
Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the pasta cook uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently. You’re looking for that perfect “al dente” texture—cooked but still with a little bite.

Watch as the liquid slowly thickens into a creamy garlic sauce. If it starts to look too dry before the pasta is fully cooked, just add a splash more water or milk.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Now it gets cheesy.
Once your pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened up, stir in:

• ¾ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt (taste and adjust)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Mix until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes rich and velvety.

Want to make it even more luscious? Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream now for that extra cream factor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finishing touches make it feel fancy.
Spoon your creamy garlic pasta into bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil. It adds brightness and makes it look like you ordered from a restaurant—even if you’re still in yoga pants.

Serve hot and enjoy immediately. This dish is best fresh, when that sauce is at its silky peak.

Craving more comforting pasta ideas? Check out our cozy Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole—it’s another one-pot favorite that’s perfect for family dinners.

What to Serve with One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

You could absolutely eat this straight out of the pot with a fork (no judgment here), but it also plays well with others. Serve it with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli to add freshness. Garlic bread? Always a good idea. Want to bulk it up? Pair it with Creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells or this hearty Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef for a pasta party that’ll feed a crowd.

Key Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

1. Stir often to avoid clumpy pasta and scorched milk at the bottom.
2. Grate your own Parmesan—the pre-shredded kind just doesn’t melt the same.
3. Add more water as needed if things start to dry out too fast.
4. Want protein? Stir in rotisserie chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon at the end.
5. Go bold: add red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or a handful of spinach for a fresh twist.

Storage and Reheating Tips for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

This pasta stores like a champ in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, toss it in a saucepan with a splash of milk or water to loosen things up. Stir gently over medium heat until it’s warm and creamy again. Microwave works too—just go low and slow with a lid. Pro tip: avoid freezing—cream sauces tend to separate in the freezer and come back sad.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Just keep an eye on cooking time and stir frequently to avoid breakage.

Can I swap milk for a non-dairy option?
Definitely. Oat milk or almond milk work well—just use unsweetened and unflavored.

Is it okay to double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a large pot and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

What if I don’t have Parmesan?
Use another hard cheese like Romano or Pecorino—or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist.

How do I make it spicy?
Add crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic or a splash of hot sauce at the end.

Final Thoughts

If your weeknights feel like a blur of to-do lists, laundry piles, and “what’s for dinner?” panic, One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is your secret weapon. It’s fast, flexible, and feels like a warm hug in a bowl—without leaving your kitchen looking like a war zone. Next time you need dinner in a pinch, give this recipe a spin. You’ll be surprised how something so simple can taste this ridiculously good.

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