One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the ultimate easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This creamy, garlicky pasta is made all in one pot, which means minimal cleanup is required. The sauce is rich and silky, perfectly coating every strand of pasta with flavorful garlic and cheese notes. For a complete meal, pair it with my Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe, perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners at home.
Why You'll Love One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta - Easy, Quick & Comforting Weeknight Dinner
Discover how to make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, an easy, family-friendly, and budget-friendly dinner ready in 40 minutes. Creamy, delicious, with simple ingredients.
- All-in-one pot recipe means less mess and quick cleanup.
- Rich, creamy garlic sauce that clings perfectly to pasta.
- Perfectly balanced flavors with simple pantry staples.
- Ready in under 40 minutes — ideal for weeknights.
Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta - Easy, Quick & Comforting Weeknight Dinner
Chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control of saltiness; vegetable broth works for vegetarian option.Heavy cream: For lighter sauce, substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though sauce will be less creamy.
- Chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control of saltiness; vegetable broth works for vegetarian option.
- Heavy cream: For lighter sauce, substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though sauce will be less creamy.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta - Easy, Quick & Comforting Weeknight Dinner are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta - Easy, Quick & Comforting Weeknight Dinner
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Sauté the garlic: In a large pot or deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Add liquids and pasta: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add pasta. Push pasta down to submerge it in liquid.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Expert Tips for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta - Easy, Quick & Comforting Weeknight Dinner
- For extra flavor, brown the garlic slightly before adding liquids, but avoid burning.
- Use a pasta shape like fettuccine or linguine for best sauce coating.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking.
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta - Easy, Quick & Comforting Weeknight Dinner
Discover how to make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, an easy, family-friendly, and budget-friendly dinner ready in 40 minutes. Creamy, delicious, with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Optional Toppings
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Chopped fresh basil
- Cooked crispy bacon bits
Instructions
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Sauté the garlic: In a large pot or deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add pasta. Push pasta down to submerge it in liquid.
- Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish with cheese and seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook an additional 2 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta - Easy, Quick & Comforting Weeknight Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Store in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of milk to regain creaminess.
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing.
Dry pasta usually means not enough liquid; soggy pasta means too much liquid or overcooking. Stir frequently and check pasta doneness early.
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Before You Go
If you try this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta - Easy, Quick & Comforting Weeknight Dinner, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.