One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta: A Quick, Flavorful Dinner Ready in 20 Minutes

After a long day, there’s nothing better than a creamy, garlicky bowl of pasta that doesn’t leave you drowning in dishes. This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta checks every box—simple, rich, and done in just 20 minutes. Everything cooks in one pan, from the garlic to the pasta itself, so the sauce turns silky and full of flavor without extra steps.

I still remember the first time I made my own version of creamy garlic pasta—too much garlic, not enough salt, and way too much excitement. Over time, I’ve turned that beginner’s experiment into a creamy, perfectly balanced one pot garlic pasta that delivers every single time.

Why You’ll Love It

This dish is built for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays when you want comfort without the cleanup.

• One pot means easy cleanup.
  
• The entire dish comes together in 20 minutes.
  
• Big garlic flavor with a creamy, cheesy finish.
  
• You can add chicken, shrimp, or veggies without changing the base.
  
• All the ingredients are affordable and pantry-friendly.
  

What You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this creamy garlic butter pasta:

Pasta – Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all work great.
Garlic – Freshly minced gives you the best flavor.
Butter or Olive Oil – Butter for richness, olive oil for a lighter touch.
Milk – Whole milk makes the sauce creamy and smooth.
Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated, never the bagged stuff.
Optional – A spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream for extra richness.
Seasoning – Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Garnish – Chopped parsley or basil to finish.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Sauté the Garlic
Melt the butter or warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Don’t let it brown—once it’s burnt, the flavor turns sharp.

2. Add Pasta and Liquids
Add the dry pasta right into the pan. Pour in milk and enough water to just cover the pasta. Stir and bring it to a gentle boil, separating any clumps.

3. Simmer Until Tender
Lower the heat and simmer for about 8–10 minutes, stirring often so nothing sticks. The pasta releases starch as it cooks, creating that natural creamy texture.

4. Add Cheese and Seasoning
Once the pasta is tender, turn the heat to low and stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. The sauce will thicken as the cheese melts. If it looks too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.

5. Finish and Serve
Now’s your moment to customize. Fold in cooked chicken, shrimp, bacon, or veggies if you like. Let it rest for a minute or two before serving so the sauce can settle and cling to the pasta. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately.

Helpful Tips

• Use thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine for faster cooking.
  
• Preheat your milk and water to speed things up.
  
• Keep your ingredients measured and ready to go.
  
• Stir often so the pasta cooks evenly.
  
• If the sauce thickens too much, add a small splash of warm milk.
  

With these tips, you’ll master this easy creamy garlic pasta in no time.

Variations to Try

You can change this recipe up in endless ways:

Protein options: Chicken, shrimp, crispy bacon, or tofu.
Vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Cheeses: Pecorino, cream cheese, or gouda for a different twist.
For spice: Red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for a bold kick.

What to Serve With It

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with:

• A simple green salad with vinaigrette
  
• Garlic bread or crusty sourdough
  
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
  
• A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon
  

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture. Freezing isn’t ideal—dairy-based sauces can separate when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bringing It All Together

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is comfort in a bowl—quick, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you call it creamy garlic parmesan pasta, garlic cream pasta, or simply your new weeknight favorite, it’s the perfect dish when you need something cozy and delicious fast.

If you enjoy recipes like this one pot creamy noodles dish, follow me on Pinterest for more: https://www.pinterest.com/emiliorecipes/

This is the pasta I reach for when I want something creamy, garlicky, and worth every bite.

More Recipes to Try

If you loved this recipe, here are a few more you’ll want to make next:

• Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
  
• Creamy Cajun Parmesan Sauce
  
• Cajun Shrimp Pasta
  
• Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon
  
• Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
  
• Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet
  
• Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
  
• Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
  
• Creamy Pasta Salad
  
• Italian Pasta Salad
  

Each one brings the same cozy, creamy comfort with that signature one-pan ease—perfect for when you want great food without the extra work.

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