One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Creamy garlic pasta is an incredibly comforting dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare. This one pot creamy garlic pasta brings together the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests. The beauty of this recipe is that it requires minimal cleanup, allowing you to enjoy a hearty dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you whip up this one pot creamy garlic pasta? For starters, it’s the epitome of convenience. Cooking everything in one pot means less hassle and fewer dishes to wash afterward. Besides that, the creamy garlic sauce envelops the pasta in a delectable embrace, creating a comforting dish that appeals to a wide range of taste preferences. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or simply someone looking for a simple yet satisfying meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Additionally, this pasta is versatile! You can enhance the flavors with various herbs and spices, or even throw in some vegetables or protein of your choice. It’s perfect for customizing based on what you have on hand in your pantry and fridge.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Making one pot creamy garlic pasta is straightforward and requires just a handful of ingredients. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need and the simple steps to follow for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream
- Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Directions
-
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, which should only take about a minute or two.
-
Next, pour in the whole milk and water. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
-
Once simmering, stir in your choice of pasta. Make sure all of the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
-
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
-
When the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. For an even creamier texture, you can add the cream cheese or sour cream at this point.
-
After thoroughly mixing everything together, remove the pot from heat. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly.
-
Serve your pasta warm, garnished with chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Pro Tips for Success in One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
-
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: To ensure perfect texture, remove the pasta from heat when it’s al dente. It will continue to cook slightly in the residual heat.
-
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavors immensely. Avoid pre-grated cheeses when possible for better melting and taste.
-
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of extra milk or water. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
-
Add Protein: Consider tossing in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans for a protein boost. These can be added in during the heating process to warm through.
-
Include Veggies: To make the dish more nutritious, you can add steamed broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes towards the end of cooking.
-
Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning for an extra kick.
Flavor Variations for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
-
Mushroom and Spinach: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic and add fresh spinach just before serving for a delicious veggie addition.
-
Lemon Garlic: For a zesty twist, add the juice and zest of a fresh lemon when mixing in the cheeses.
-
Creamy Tomato: Stir in a cup of crushed tomatoes along with the milk and seasonings for a rich tomato-flavored dish.
-
Herbs Galore: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even fresh basil to change up the flavor profile based on what’s in season.
Serving Suggestions for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
This creamy garlic pasta is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with various sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette or some garlic bread for an extra special touch. If you want to create a more complete meal, roasted vegetables or grilled chicken can also complement this dish wonderfully.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Just make sure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|—————|————-|
| Calories | 400 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
FAQ About One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use various types of pasta like spaghetti, linguine, penne, or even gluten-free options. Just be mindful of cooking times, as they may vary depending on the pasta used.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this creamy garlic pasta. Consider using non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your creamy garlic pasta, incorporate red pepper flakes during the cooking process. You can also add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to elevate the spice level.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the components of this dish ahead of time, such as chopping garlic and measuring out ingredients. However, it’s best to cook the pasta fresh for the best texture and creaminess.
What can I serve with this pasta dish?
This creamy garlic pasta pairs wonderfully with a light salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve grilled chicken or shrimp alongside to create a more filling meal.
Final Thoughts
One pot creamy garlic pasta is a fantastic dish that combines simplicity with wonderful flavors, making it an everyday favorite. The ease of preparation and versatility allows it to adapt to personal tastes and dietary needs seamlessly. So whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking!
Print
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An easy and comforting one pot creamy garlic pasta with rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream
- Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in whole milk and water, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally.
- When the pasta is al dente, reduce heat and stir in the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess if desired.
- Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Serve warm, garnished with parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. Customize with veggies or protein as per your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
