One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the perfect easy meal for busy weeknights. This homemade pasta dish combines rich, creamy sauce with bold garlic flavor in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. The silky texture and cheesy finish make it a comforting favorite the whole family will love. Pair it with my Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe for a complete, hearty meal.
Why You'll Love One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta – Easy, Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinner
Enjoy this easy One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta recipe for a quick, comforting weeknight dinner. Creamy, garlicky, and made in one pot for minimal cleanup.
- Ready in just 40 minutes with only one pot – minimal cleanup!
- Rich and creamy garlic sauce with melty cheese for unbeatable comfort.
- Uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients for an easy pantry-friendly meal.
- Perfect for beginners and meal prepping for leftovers.
Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta – Easy, Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinner
Chicken broth: low-sodium works best to control saltiness; substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.Milk: whole milk gives creaminess; use 2% or half & half for richer texture or dairy-free milk (unsweetened) but sauce will be less creamy.
- Chicken broth: low-sodium works best to control saltiness; substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Milk: whole milk gives creaminess; use 2% or half & half for richer texture or dairy-free milk (unsweetened) but sauce will be less creamy.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta – Easy, Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinner are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta – Easy, Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinner
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the garlic base: In a large deep skillet or pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Add liquids and pasta: Pour in chicken broth and milk; stir. Add pasta and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Simmer and stir: Bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente and sauce starts thickening.
Expert Tips for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta – Easy, Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinner
- Use low-sodium broth to better control the saltiness in the dish.
- Stir the pasta frequently while simmering to prevent it sticking to the pot.
- For richer flavor, swap half the milk for cream or use a good quality Parmesan cheese.
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta – Easy, Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinner
Enjoy this easy One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta recipe for a quick, comforting weeknight dinner. Creamy, garlicky, and made in one pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz uncooked fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning or mixed herbs
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Prepare the garlic base: In a large deep skillet or pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in chicken broth and milk; stir. Add pasta and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
- Simmer and stir: Bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente and sauce starts thickening.
- Finish with cheese: Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed and sprinkle fresh herbs or toppings 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 & Delicious Weeknight Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the pasta ahead and reheat it. Just store it airtight in the fridge and add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back creaminess.
Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese work well as substitutes but expect a slightly different flavor profile.
Keep leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with extra milk to restore texture.
If pasta is dry, add more liquid next time and stir often. If soggy, avoid overcooking and remove from heat as soon as it's al dente.
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Before You Go
If you try this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta – Easy, Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinner, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.