One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Why Make This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

When dinner time rolls around, easy and delicious meals are what we crave. This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta not only delivers on taste but also on convenience. Imagine a comforting bowl of pasta that’s rich and creamy, all made in a single pot! The flavors of garlic and Parmesan fill your kitchen, making your mouth water as it cooks. Plus, the cleanup is minimal, allowing you more time to enjoy your meal and relax. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a delightful dish for guests, this pasta is sure to impress.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Cooking this delicious pasta dish is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for both novice cooks and experienced chefs alike. You’ll start by sautéing some minced garlic in olive oil until it becomes fragrant—this step fills your home with an irresistibly savory aroma. Next, you’ll add your choice of pasta and creamy milk, bringing it all to a simmer. After a brief cooking time, you’ll stir in a generous amount of Parmesan cheese, creating a deliciously creamy sauce. The best part? You can have this comforting dish ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

• Pasta of your choice
• 3 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the pasta and milk, and bring to a simmer.
4. Cook pasta according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.
5. Once pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 400
• Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 290mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 15g

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main dish alongside a fresh salad or as a side dish with grilled chicken or vegetables. For a cozy night in, pair it with a glass of white wine and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper on top for a touch of elegance.

How to Store One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Leftovers? No problem! Store any uneaten pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, keeping it creamy and delicious. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Expert Tips for Perfect One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

• Pasta Choice: While any pasta works, shorter shapes like penne or fusilli hold the sauce nicely.
• Cheese Options: Don’t hesitate to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Just reduce the quantity to about 1 teaspoon.

Delicious Variations

• Vegetable Stir-In: Add spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Protein Boost: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a hearty meal.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice heat to your pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat milk for this recipe?

Yes, low-fat milk works fine, but the sauce may not be as creamy. For a richer flavor, full-fat milk or cream is ideal.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

You can substitute with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your pot is large enough to hold all the ingredients, and you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. It’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table while making dinner time a breeze. With its creamy texture and robust garlic taste, it invites you to savor every bite. So why not give it a try? You might just find it becoming a regular in your meal rotation! Don’t forget to share your cooking experiences or any variations you create in the comments—happy cooking!

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

A rich and creamy pasta dish made in one pot with garlic and Parmesan, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz Pasta of your choice Shorter shapes like penne or fusilli hold the sauce nicely.
• 3 tablespoons garlic, minced Fresh garlic is best; garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
• 2 cups milk Use full-fat for creaminess; low-fat works but sauce may be less creamy.
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Can substitute with other hard cheeses or nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• to taste salt Salt
• to taste pepper Pepper Freshly cracked for serving.
• for garnish Fresh parsley

Method

 

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the pasta and milk, and bring to a simmer.
4. Cook pasta according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.
5. Once pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

This pasta can be served as a main dish or side. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months, add milk when reheating.