One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta – Quick, Easy & Delicious

There’s nothing better than a comforting pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes and only requires one pot. This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is rich, velvety, and loaded with the flavor of fresh garlic. The beauty? The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up every bit of flavor while saving you dishes.

Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even a dinner date at home, this recipe proves that simplicity and flavor go hand in hand. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a pasta dish that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pot = fewer dishes and less cleanup.
• Creamy & garlicky sauce that coats every bite.
• Ready in 25 minutes – perfect for weeknights.
• Customizable – add chicken, shrimp, or veggies.
• Restaurant-worthy flavor at home.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil – In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
2. Add liquid – Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring well. Bring to a simmer.
3. Cook pasta – Add spaghetti and stir to prevent sticking. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid reduces to a creamy consistency (12–14 minutes).
4. Finish with cheese & butter – Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
5. Season & serve – Add salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Tips for Success

• Stir often – Helps pasta cook evenly and prevents sticking.
• Adjust creaminess – Add extra broth or milk if sauce gets too thick.
• Boost flavor – Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or squeeze of lemon.
• Make it a meal – Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.

Serving Ideas

• With garlic bread and a side salad for a complete dinner.
• Paired with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Topped with crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

A quick, creamy, garlicky pasta made in one pot – simple, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bowls

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• salt and black pepper to taste
• fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot or skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a pot, sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Add chicken broth and milk, bring to a simmer.
3. Add pasta and cook uncovered until al dente and sauce thickens, 12–14 minutes.
4. Stir in Parmesan and butter until creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream. Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking.