Name: One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp butter or olive oil; 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Chopped parsley or basil, for garnish

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This one pot creamy garlic pasta is a dream for busy nights—simple, quick, and packed with flavor. I cook the pasta right in a garlicky cream sauce, which means fewer dishes and more deliciousness in every bite. The result is rich, silky, and perfectly seasoned pasta that’s comforting and easy to make with pantry staples.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how everything comes together in one pot—no boiling pasta separately, no straining, and no mess. The garlic flavor infuses the sauce beautifully, and the starch from the pasta creates a naturally creamy texture. It’s the kind of meal I can whip up in 20 minutes and still feel like I’m indulging in something special. It’s also endlessly customizable with vegetables, proteins, or herbs. One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work well)
garlic, minced
butter or olive oil
vegetable broth or chicken broth
heavy cream or half-and-half
grated parmesan cheese
salt and black pepper
red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)

Directions

I heat the butter or oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté the garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
I add the uncooked pasta to the pot along with the broth, and bring everything to a boil.
I reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 10–12 minutes).
I stir in the cream, parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, letting it cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
I remove it from the heat and let it sit for a minute to thicken more before serving.
I top it with fresh herbs and extra cheese if I’m feeling fancy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 3–4 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: about 20–25 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens. For a heartier version, I stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms. I’ve also used plant-based cream and broth for a fully vegetarian version. If I want a lemony kick, I finish with a bit of zest and juice at the end.

storage/reheating

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. I avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating. This pasta is best fresh, but still very tasty the next day. One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but I usually stick with whole milk or add a bit of flour or extra parmesan to help thicken the sauce.

What kind of pasta works best?

Long noodles like spaghetti or linguine work beautifully, but I’ve used penne and rotini with great results too.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, I use dairy-free butter, cream, and cheese alternatives. The flavor is slightly different, but still creamy and satisfying.

How do I keep the sauce from clumping?

I stir frequently while cooking and make sure the cheese is fully melted before removing from heat. Letting it sit for a minute helps smooth it out too.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Absolutely. I just use a wider pot or pan so the pasta cooks evenly, and I keep an eye on the liquid level while it simmers.

Conclusion

This one pot creamy garlic pasta is a fast, flavorful solution for those nights when I need something comforting but easy. It’s rich, garlicky, and creamy with minimal cleanup—just the way I like it. Whether I serve it plain or dress it up with extras, it always delivers a satisfying bowl of pasta perfection.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

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This one pot creamy garlic pasta is a quick and comforting dish made with pantry staples. Pasta cooks right in a flavorful garlic-infused cream sauce, creating a rich and silky texture with minimal cleanup.

Author: Lizaa
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 3–4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pot
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped parsley or basil, for garnish

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Instructions

Heat butter or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add uncooked pasta and broth. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed (about 10–12 minutes).
Stir in cream, parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats pasta.
Remove from heat and let sit for 1 minute to thicken further.
Garnish with chopped herbs and extra cheese before serving.