Name: One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne); 2 cups whole milk (or any milk you have); 1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta); 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream (for extra creaminess); Chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together in no time, this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) is exactly what you need. Imagine tender pasta bathed in a luscious, garlicky sauce that’s rich with Parmesan and hints of Italian seasoning, all made effortlessly in a single pot. This dish is the perfect weeknight dinner fix—simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and maximum satisfaction.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the garlic that brings bold aroma and flavor to the Parmesan cheese that creates that irresistible creamy texture. Let’s break down the essentials that make this pasta shine.

8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne): Choose your favorite shape; it will soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil: Provides the luscious base for sautéing garlic and adds richness to the dish.
4 cloves garlic (minced): The star flavor component, giving your pasta that unmistakable garlicky kick.
2 cups milk (whole preferred, or any you have): The creamy foundation for the sauce, making it velvety without heaviness.
1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta): Helps cook the pasta and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick too soon.
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances all the other flavors harmoniously.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle warmth to the dish without overpowering garlic.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings fragrant herbs that complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream: For those who want an extra rich and silky finish.
Optional: garnish chopped parsley or basil: Adds a fresh burst of color and brightness at the end.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!)

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Start by melting the butter or heating olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until you can’t resist the intoxicating fragrance. Be sure to stir constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn and turn bitter. This first step builds the foundation for a deeply flavorful pasta.

Step 2: Add Pasta and Liquid

Next, add your dry pasta right into the pot. Pour in the milk and enough water to just barely cover the pasta—this is key to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs flavors without drying out. Give everything a good stir to combine before bringing it to a gentle boil. It’s fun to watch the pasta start to soften as it cooks right in this luxurious liquid.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta to Perfect Al Dente

Lower the heat to a simmer and leave the pot uncovered. Stir frequently for about 8–10 minutes, which helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. You’ll notice the liquid gradually reduces and thickens into a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to every strand or piece of pasta. Keep an eye on the texture to stop right when the pasta is firm yet tender—a perfect al dente bite.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Seasonings

Once the pasta is just right, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. The cheese will melt into the sauce, enriching it with a gorgeous, velvety texture and savory depth. For an indulgent twist, swirl in cream cheese or sour cream—this step transforms the dish into a decadent creamy delight that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Step 5: Serve Immediately and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve your One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) immediately while it’s hot, creamy, and oh-so comforting. This dish shines best fresh but is an absolute joy to eat any time you want a few moments of blissful pasta perfection.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!)

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil brightens the rich, creamy flavor and adds a lovely color contrast. For a little extra kick, a crack of fresh black pepper or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can enliven the dish. A dusting of Parmesan on top makes it irresistibly inviting right before serving.

Side Dishes

This creamy garlic pasta pairs wonderfully with simple sides that won’t compete with its bold flavors. Think crisp green salads, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or even some garlic bread to keep the theme going—perfect for sopping up every last bit of the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve the pasta in rustic bowls topped with a drizzle of good quality olive oil and a few edible flowers or microgreens for a pop of elegance. Or layer it in individual ramekins with some extra cheese on top, then broil briefly for a golden crust. Presentation can be simple or fancy, the key is sharing this joyful dish with those you love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2-3 days to enjoy the freshness of the creamy sauce and tender pasta. Make sure to give it a good stir before sealing to keep the sauce nice and creamy.

Freezing

While freezing creamy pasta doesn’t always retain the original texture perfectly, you can freeze this pasta if needed. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to help maintain the sauce’s richness.

Reheating

Reheat your creamy garlic pasta slowly over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to bring back that luscious creamy texture. Microwave reheating works too, just go low and slow with occasional stirring.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti, linguine, or penne are ideal, feel free to use any pasta shape you love or have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thicker pasta may need a bit more time.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter or olive oil. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for that cheesy flavor.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely. Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon make excellent additions. Simply cook the protein separately and mix it in at the end for a heartier meal.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No worries! Use a simple blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme, or even just dried parsley. The herbs add a lovely depth, but it’s still delicious without them.

How do I make the sauce extra creamy?

Stir in cream cheese or sour cream after the pasta is cooked. These ingredients melt beautifully into the sauce, giving it an irresistibly rich and silky texture.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) is a delightful mix of simple ingredients and speedy preparation that feels anything but basic. It’s perfect for busy nights, comfort food cravings, or impressing friends with minimal effort. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you lived without it!

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!) Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: Rafael
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and delicious meal ready in just 20 minutes. Perfectly cooked pasta is simmered in a creamy garlic-infused sauce made from milk and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich, comforting dish with minimal cleanup. Optional additions like cream cheese and fresh herbs add an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

Instructions

Sauté Garlic: In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Add Pasta & Liquid: Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and add enough water just to barely cover the pasta. Stir the mixture to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently for 8–10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced into a creamy sauce.
Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For an extra creamy texture, fold in cream cheese or sour cream at this stage.
Serve: Garnish the creamy garlic pasta with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use whole milk for a richer sauce, but low-fat milk works as well.
Stir frequently while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type and brand of pasta.
For a dairy-free variation, substitute milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
Adding cream cheese or sour cream is optional but enhances creaminess and flavor.
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a nice bright contrast but can be omitted if unavailable.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-pot stovetop cooking
Cuisine: Italian-inspired