One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that comes together quickly and easily in a single pot. This creamy, garlicky pasta has a rich sauce that clings to every strand, making it incredibly satisfying. It's a beginner-friendly recipe that uses simple pantry staples and requires minimal cleanup. For a complete dinner, pair it with my Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe for a special occasion or the Tasty Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake for a versatile meal option.
Why You'll Love One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta - Easy Weeknight Comfort Food
Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta for a quick, easy, and creamy dinner in just 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or family-friendly meals.
- Ready in under 40 minutes using just one pot for easy cleanup.
- Creamy, garlicky flavor that’s comforting and family-friendly.
- Uses pantry staples and minimal ingredients for convenience.
- Perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta - Easy Weeknight Comfort Food
Chicken broth: Use low sodium broth for better control of salt; vegetable broth works as a vegetarian substitute.Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor and melts smoothly; pre-grated may contain additives and not melt as well.
- Chicken broth: Use low sodium broth for better control of salt; vegetable broth works as a vegetarian substitute.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor and melts smoothly; pre-grated may contain additives and not melt as well.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta - Easy Weeknight Comfort Food are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta - Easy Weeknight Comfort Food
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Sauté the garlic: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil and 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 liquid and pasta: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add pasta, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Cook the pasta: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
Expert Tips for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta - Easy Weeknight Comfort Food
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Stir often to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to thin it out.
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta - Easy Weeknight Comfort Food
Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta for a quick, easy, and creamy dinner in just 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or family-friendly meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Toppings
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or thyme
- Toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for texture
Instructions
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Sauté the garlic: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
- Add liquid and pasta: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add pasta, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook the pasta: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
- Finish with cheese and garnish: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and 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 Weeknight Comfort Food FAQs
Yes! You can prepare it ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with some added milk or broth to refresh the sauce.
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese, but the sauce might be slightly less rich.
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing as the cream sauce may separate.
If the pasta is dry, it may have absorbed all the liquid; add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it. If soggy, try reducing the cooking time slightly and stirring frequently during cooking.
You Might Also Like
- Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe
- Tasty Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake
- One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Before You Go
If you try this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta - Easy Weeknight Comfort Food, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.