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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the ultimate comfort food — rich, creamy, and bursting with garlic flavor, yet surprisingly easy to make. Everything cooks in a single pot for a fast and flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this creamy pasta is one of those quick pasta recipes you’ll keep coming back to.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 ½ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups milk whole or 2%
  • 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine uncooked
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional Add-Ins:
  • 1 cup cooked chicken shrimp, or mushrooms
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Extra Parmesan for serving

Method
 

  1. Sauté the garlic:
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to brown it.
  3. Add liquids and pasta:
  4. Pour in chicken broth and milk, then stir. Add uncooked pasta, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir again to coat the pasta evenly.
  5. Cook the pasta:
  6. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  7. Make it creamy:
  8. Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce turns smooth, thick, and creamy.
  9. Garnish and serve:
  10. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

 
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
For thicker sauce: Let the pasta sit for 2–3 minutes after cooking.
To make it vegan: Substitute vegetable broth, plant-based milk, and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.