Dinner

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

ByLily Cross October 13, 2025October 13, 2025

Introduction

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. With a rich, flavorful sauce made directly in the pot, it saves time and minimizes cleanup without sacrificing taste.

A white plate filled with creamy penne pasta covered in a light beige sauce, sprinkled with small green herb bits and tiny red chili flakes. On top, there are a few thin slices of pale yellow cheese and a small sprig of fresh green parsley in the center. The sauce looks thick and smooth, evenly coating the pasta pieces. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a soft natural light highlighting the textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups milk (whole preferred, or any you have)
1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta)
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
Optional: garnish chopped parsley or basil

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter (or heat the olive oil) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Step 2: Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For an extra creamy sauce, stir in cream cheese or sour cream.
Step 5: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

Use cream cheese or sour cream for extra richness and a smoother sauce.
Swap Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables to make it a complete meal.
Stir the pasta often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

A white round plate holds a creamy pasta dish with about two layers of penne pasta coated in a thick, light beige cheese sauce. On top, the pasta is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, small bits of red spices, and grated white cheese. There are three thin clean slices of pale yellow cheese placed near the center, with a small pile of freshly chopped green parsley above them. The background surface is a white marbled texture scattered with coarse salt and pepper grains around the plate edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works well with spaghetti, linguine, penne, or similar pasta shapes. Just ensure the pasta is fully covered by the liquid when cooking.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

You can substitute with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago, or use a mild cheddar in a pinch. The flavor will vary but the dish will still be delicious.