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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!)

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a comforting and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss. The magic happens in a single pot where the pasta cooks directly in its own creamy, garlicky sauce, absorbing amazing flavor as it simmers. Based on simple pantry staples, this recipe creates a rich, velvety pasta dish that the whole family will enjoy.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8 oz of a long pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine
  • 1 tablespoon Butter or Olive Oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups Milk
  • 1 cup Water
  • ¾ cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons Cream Cheese or Sour Cream (Optional)
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (Optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wide-bottomed pot

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet or wide-bottomed pot, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds until it's fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown or burn, as it can become bitter.
  2. Add Pasta & Liquids: Add the dry pasta, milk, water, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir everything together to combine and ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. If it's not, add another splash of water.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it's bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  4. Stir in Cheese & Finish: Remove the pot from the heat. This is an important step to prevent the cheese from clumping. Immediately stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the optional cream cheese or sour cream until everything is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Serve Immediately: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired and serve hot. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Notes

For a silky smooth sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan and add it off the heat. Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking, adding more liquid if needed. Variations include adding protein like chicken or shrimp, vegetables like spinach, a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.