This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta uses few ingredients and cooks fast. You can pair it with a simple salad or use it with cooked chicken. For a tasty chicken pasta idea, see garlic Parmesan chicken pasta.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is fast and easy. You cook pasta and make the sauce in one pot. You save time and dishes. The dish is creamy, garlicky, and simple to make for any meal.
How to make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Use a large pot or a wide skillet with a lid. Add the pasta and water, cook until nearly done, then stir in milk and cheese. The starch from the pasta helps make the sauce thick and creamy. For another easy one-pot comfort food, try this 4-ingredient potato soup to see how simple meals can be.
Ingredients :
- pasta
- garlic
- milk
- Parmesan cheese
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
- parsley (optional)
Directions :
- In a large pot or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the pasta and enough water to cover the pasta by a few inches.
- Bring to a boil and cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat and stir in the milk and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
How to serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Serve hot on plates or in bowls. Add extra Parmesan on top if you like. A side salad or steamed vegetables go well with it. For a fuller meal, add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms.
How to store One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Cool the pasta to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on low in a pan and add a splash of milk if the sauce is thick.
Tips to make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Stir often while cooking so the pasta cooks evenly.
- Add milk little by little and stop when the sauce looks creamy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother melting.
- Taste and add salt at the end because Parmesan is salty.
Variation
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein.
- Toss in spinach or peas at the end for color and nutrition.
- Use half-and-half or cream for a richer sauce.
- Make it vegan by using plant milk and vegan Parmesan (see vegan versions online).
FAQs
Q: Can I use any pasta?
A: Yes. Long or short pasta both work. Adjust water and cooking time to the package.
Q: Can I use cream instead of milk?
A: Yes. Cream makes a richer sauce. Use less if you want a lighter sauce.
Q: Is this recipe safe to freeze?
A: You can freeze it, but the texture may change. Freeze in a tight container and reheat slowly, adding milk if needed.
Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: Let the pasta cook a little longer with the lid off, or add more Parmesan and stir until it thickens.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Yes. Add quick-cooking veggies like spinach or peas at the end. For harder vegetables, cook them first.
Conclusion
If you want a vegan take on one-pot creamy garlic pasta, read this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta | Vegan Fettucine Alfredo for ideas. For another simple one-pot recipe and serving tips, see One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta – Kenna’s Cooks.
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta Any type of pasta can be used.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- 2 cups milk Can substitute with cream for a richer sauce.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Freshly grated for smoother melting.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing garlic.
- to taste salt Adjust according to taste.
- to taste pepper Adjust according to taste.
- optional parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add pasta and enough water to cover it by a few inches.
- Bring to a boil and cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Once cooked, reduce heat and stir in the milk and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.