Name: One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 250 g pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti); 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 5 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups milk; 1 cup water or broth; 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta. It’s warm, indulgent, and instantly satisfying. But what if you could enjoy all that richness without a sink full of dishes or an hour in the kitchen? That’s exactly where One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta shines.

This recipe is a weeknight miracle — silky sauce, bold garlic flavor, and perfectly cooked pasta, all made in a single pot in just 20 minutes. No boiling pasta separately. No complicated steps. Just simple ingredients transforming into something that tastes restaurant-worthy with minimal effort.

Whether you’re a busy student, a working professional, or just someone who loves efficient cooking, this dish proves that great flavor doesn’t have to be complicated.

Why One-Pot Pasta Is a Game Changer

Traditional pasta recipes often require multiple steps: boil water, cook pasta, drain, prepare sauce separately, then combine. While delicious, that method can feel overwhelming after a long day.

One-pot pasta flips that process entirely. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing flavor while releasing starches that naturally thicken the dish. The result?

Creamier texture
Deeper flavor
Fewer dishes
Faster cooking time

This creamy garlic version is especially popular because garlic infuses the entire pot, creating a rich, aromatic base from the very first minute.

What Makes This Creamy Garlic Pasta Special

This isn’t just another pasta recipe. It’s designed to hit the perfect balance between indulgent and practical.

Rich but not heavy: Creamy without feeling overwhelming
Garlic-forward: Bold, aromatic flavor without bitterness
Customizable: Easy to add protein or vegetables
Reliable: Works every single time

The sauce clings beautifully to every strand of pasta, creating that luxurious bite you crave — all without fancy ingredients or techniques.

Ingredients

250 g (9 oz) pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups milk (or light cream)
1 cup water or vegetable broth
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
Pour in milk and water (or broth), stirring to combine.
Add uncooked pasta directly into the liquid. Ensure pasta is mostly submerged.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Once pasta is tender and sauce thickened, lower heat and stir in parmesan cheese.
Season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using.
Simmer 1–2 more minutes until sauce becomes creamy and glossy.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Pasta

Stir often: This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking
Use fresh garlic: Pre-minced garlic lacks the same depth
Don’t rush the cheese: Add parmesan off high heat to avoid clumping
Adjust consistency: Add a splash of milk if sauce thickens too much

Delicious Variations

Add Protein

Grilled chicken slices
Crispy bacon bits
Shrimp sautéed separately

Add Vegetables

Spinach (stir in at the end)
Mushrooms (sauté with garlic)
Broccoli florets (add halfway through cooking)

Make It Extra Cheesy

Add mozzarella for stretch
Use pecorino for sharper flavor

Serving Suggestions

This pasta shines on its own, but you can elevate it even more:

Serve with garlic bread or crusty baguette
Pair with a crisp green salad
Finish with lemon zest for brightness

It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep when you want something comforting yet fast.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Nights

Life gets hectic, but good food should never feel like a chore. This one pot creamy garlic pasta is proof that you can cook something deeply satisfying without stress, mess, or complicated planning.

Once you try it, it’ll become part of your regular rotation — the kind of recipe you memorize because it’s just that easy.