When the day’s long and your energy feels spent, there’s something magical about a dinner that requires just one pot and still fills the room with warmth. My One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is that kind of recipe; creamy, aromatic, and deeply comforting. I remember the first time I made it on a cold evening, the kitchen filled with the scent of sizzling garlic and butter. It took me right back to Nonna’s kitchen, where she’d stir pots of simple pasta with care and patience. This dish captures that same feeling of home, effortless yet full of soul.
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Why You’ll Love This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
What makes this Creamy Garlic Pasta irresistible is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy ingredients or extra dishes. Everything from sautéing the garlic to simmering the noodles happens in one pot. The sauce thickens as the pasta cooks, wrapping each strand in a velvety, garlicky cream that feels indulgent but easy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you crave something comforting without the chaos.
This recipe stands shoulder to shoulder with easy comfort meals like Creamy Turkey Stroganoff Honey Garlic Meatballs. Both share that satisfying sweetness and savory balance that brings people back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a hungry family, this One Pot Garlic Pasta delivers all the flavor with minimal cleanup, a true modern classic born from old-world care.
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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
A comforting, creamy pasta made in one pot with garlic, butter, and Parmesan; quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights.
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
2 tbsp butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add uncooked pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
4. Lower the heat and stir in Parmesan until creamy.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for extra protein.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Ingredients
To make this creamy dream, you’ll need just a few pantry staples. Here’s what goes into it:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti or fettuccine | 12 oz |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 5 cloves |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup, grated |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
You can also add a handful of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or grilled chicken to transform this Garlic Pasta into a complete meal. I sometimes use leftover rotisserie chicken, similar to my Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta, which gives it a heartier touch and an extra boost of protein.
How to Make this Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Step 1: Sauté the garlic.
In a large skillet or deep pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to brown it, golden is perfect. - Step 2: Add liquids and pasta.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir gently and bring to a simmer. Add the dry pasta directly to the pot. Stir often to prevent sticking and let the noodles absorb all that garlicky goodness. - Step 3: Stir and thicken.
Once the pasta is cooked al dente, lower the heat. Stir in the Parmesan until it melts into a luscious sauce. Adjust with a little more broth if it’s too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This method reminds me of the gentle simmering in my Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi recipe; both build depth from simple steps and mindful timing.
Tips and Variations
- Add protein: Stir in cooked shrimp or chicken for extra heartiness.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken broth for vegetable stock and toss in mushrooms or roasted veggies.
- Cheese options: Parmesan gives a classic Italian touch, but try Pecorino Romano for a saltier bite.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
If you love creamy one-pan meals, you’ll also adore my Smothered Chicken and Rice, it’s another dish where comfort meets simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but it won’t be as rich. You can add a teaspoon of flour to help thicken the sauce if you’re using milk.
2. What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Fettuccine and linguine work beautifully, but penne or rotini also hold the sauce well.
3. Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and cheese are certified gluten-free.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low once you add the cream and cheese. Stir gently and avoid boiling.
These little tricks are similar to the delicate balance needed when making French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole; gentle heat and patience always pay off.
Final Bite
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta isn’t just a quick dinner, it’s a comforting bowl of nostalgia. Every bite carries the memory of slow evenings and cozy kitchens, proof that the simplest ingredients can create the most satisfying meals. It’s perfect for anyone who wants homemade warmth without the fuss. Serve it with a sprinkle of parsley and a side of crusty bread, and dinner feels special again.
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