why make this recipe
This one-pot creamy garlic pasta is the kind of weeknight hero that delivers rich flavor with minimal fuss — minimal dishes, minimal hands-on time, and maximum comfort. It’s perfect when you want something satisfying without fussing over multiple pans or complicated steps.
introduction
The One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a fast, comforting pasta dish that combines tender noodles, garlic, and a cheesy, milky sauce cooked together in a single pot for ease and flavor. If you like quick, crowd-pleasing mains, you might also enjoy a hearty party snack like Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones, which shares the same grab-and-go comfort-food spirit.
how to make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
This recipe is all about layering simple steps: bloom the garlic, add the pasta and milk to cook the noodles and build the sauce, then finish with cheese for a velvety finish. Cooking the pasta directly in the milk keeps the starches in the pot, creating a creamy texture without needing a separate roux or heavy cream.
Ingredients :
- 8 oz pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions :
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add pasta and milk, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the milk.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm, garnished with parsley if desired.
how to serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Serve immediately while warm for the creamiest texture. Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to cut the richness. For protein, top with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon crumbles.
how to store One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Cool leftovers to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to revive creaminess, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
tips to make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Use medium-starch pasta (like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) for best texture when cooking directly in liquid.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to keep pasta from clumping and to release starch for a creamier sauce.
- Grate Parmesan fresh for best melting and flavor; pre-grated can be grainy.
- Adjust milk quantity slightly if you prefer a saucier or thicker result — add a little more milk to loosen or simmer a bit longer to thicken.
variation (if any)
- Add a handful of baby spinach in the last 1–2 minutes of cooking for color and nutrition.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for sweetness and depth.
- Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite, or blend in a spoonful of cream cheese for extra silkiness.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a non-dairy milk?
A: Yes — choose an unsweetened, neutral-flavored plant milk (like oat or unsweetened soy) for best results.
Q: Will this work with gluten-free pasta?
A: It can, but cooking times and liquid absorption vary by brand. Watch closely and add liquid as needed.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: It’s best fresh; if making ahead, keep sauce slightly looser and finish with a quick reheat and splash of milk.
Conclusion
For a simple, cozy meal made in a single pot, this creamy garlic pasta checks all the boxes — quick, cheesy, and satisfying. For another take on easy comfort food that’s perfect for gatherings, see One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta – Kenna’s Cooks.
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add pasta and milk, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the milk.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm, garnished with parsley if desired.
