introduction
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the kind of recipe that feels like a lifesaver on busy days. Everything cooks together in a single pot, creating a rich, silky sauce with minimal effort and almost no cleanup. The first time I made this dish, I was amazed at how the pasta absorbed the garlicky cream sauce as it cooked, resulting in deep flavor without extra steps. It quickly became a go-to meal when I wanted something comforting but uncomplicated.
This pasta is all about balance. The garlic is bold but mellowed by cream, while the pasta releases just enough starch to naturally thicken the sauce. I once tried this recipe with half-and-half instead of cream, and it still turned out beautifully smooth. Whether served on its own or paired with a simple side salad, this one pot pasta delivers cozy, satisfying flavor with very little work.
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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta: A Simple, Cozy Dinner Made Easy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
One pot creamy garlic pasta is a quick and comforting meal where pasta cooks directly in a rich garlic-infused cream sauce, resulting in a smooth, flavorful dish with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 300 g pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 750 ml vegetable broth
- 240 ml heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 60 g grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–40 seconds until fragrant.
- Add uncooked pasta, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir well.
- Add Parmesan cheese and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Add extra broth if sauce becomes too thick.
- Optional additions include mushrooms, spinach, or grilled chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, comforting, and made entirely in one pot. It requires simple ingredients, delivers a creamy restaurant-style sauce, and is easy to customize with proteins or vegetables. Perfect for weeknights, it is both practical and indulgent.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta is the foundation of the dish. Short or long pasta works well, as it cooks directly in the sauce and absorbs flavor.
Garlic is the star ingredient. Freshly minced garlic provides bold aroma and depth without overpowering the dish.
Butter adds richness and forms the flavor base. It helps soften the garlic and creates a smooth sauce.
Olive oil prevents the butter from burning and adds subtle fruitiness.
Cream creates the signature silky texture. It balances the garlic and coats the pasta evenly.
Parmesan cheese adds saltiness and depth. It melts into the sauce and enhances creaminess.
Salt seasons the pasta as it cooks and brings all the flavors together.
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balance.
Optional herbs such as parsley or basil add freshness and color before serving.
Directions
Begin by heating butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Pour in the cream and add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper, then add enough water or broth to just cover the pasta.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. As the pasta cooks, it will release starch that naturally thickens the sauce.
Continue cooking until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy and reduced. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix until fully melted and smooth.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
Variations and Customizations
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is extremely versatile. For added protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon can be stirred in just before serving. I once added sautéed mushrooms, and they paired beautifully with the garlic cream sauce.
Vegetables such as spinach, peas, or broccoli can be added during the final minutes of cooking for extra nutrition. For a lighter version, substitute part of the cream with milk or broth, keeping the sauce creamy but less rich.
If you enjoy spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat without overpowering the garlic. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano, for a sharper flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is rich and satisfying, providing carbohydrates for energy and fat for fullness. It is vegetarian and can be adapted for lighter diets by adjusting the cream and cheese amounts.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Gentle Garlic
Cook garlic slowly to avoid bitterness.
Perfect Sauce
Stir often so the pasta releases starch evenly into the sauce.
Final Texture
Remove from heat once creamy, as the sauce thickens further as it rests.
FAQs
Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, most pasta shapes work, though cooking time may vary.
Do I need to cook the pasta separately?
No, the pasta cooks directly in the sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based cream and butter alternatives.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Add a splash of water or milk to loosen it.
Can I add protein?
Yes, chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and comforting.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and monitor cooking time closely.
Does it reheat well?
Yes, with added liquid to restore creaminess.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh?
Fresh garlic is recommended for best flavor.
What can I serve with it?
A green salad or roasted vegetables pair nicely.
Conclusion
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a comforting, no-fuss meal that delivers rich flavor with minimal cleanup. Creamy, garlicky, and endlessly adaptable, it is perfect for busy evenings or relaxed family dinners. Once you try it, this simple one pot recipe is sure to earn a permanent place in your weekly menu.
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