One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!)
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the ultimate quick comfort meal. Made with simple pantry ingredients like garlic, milk, and Parmesan, it cooks in just one pan — no draining, no fuss, and practically no cleanup. The pasta absorbs the liquid as it cooks, creating a naturally creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, college cooking, or a cozy solo dinner.
Ingredients
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8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
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1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for best creaminess)
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1 cup water (or enough to just cover the pasta)
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¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream (for extra creamy sauce)
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Optional garnish: chopped parsley or basil
Instructions
In a deep skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant.
Add the dry pasta, milk, and enough water to just cover the noodles.
Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to a low simmer.
Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid reduces into a creamy sauce.
Add Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
For a richer sauce, add cream cheese or sour cream now.
Garnish with parsley or basil and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
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Stir often: This prevents pasta from sticking and helps it release starch for a creamier sauce.
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Whole milk works best: Lower-fat milks may create a thinner sauce — add cream cheese to help thicken.
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Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage at the end.
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Add vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, peas, or roasted tomatoes make it more filling.
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Sauce too thick? Add a splash of milk or water.
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Sauce too thin? Simmer 1–2 minutes longer to reduce.