One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that’s packed with rich, garlicky flavor and creamy texture. This beginner-friendly recipe uses simple pantry staples and comes together in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. The creamy sauce perfectly coats every bite of pasta, creating a comforting dish your family will love. Pair it with my Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole for a full dinner experience.
Why You'll Love One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food
Make this easy One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta for a quick homemade comfort meal. Perfect for weeknights, creamy, garlicky, and family-friendly!
- All-in-one pot for less cleanup and easy cooking.
- Rich, creamy garlic flavor that’s family-friendly and satisfying.
- Ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- Uses simple pantry staples and common ingredients.
Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food
Chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness; vegetable broth works for a vegetarian option.Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated gives the best flavor and melt; pre-grated can be used but may not melt as creamy.
- Chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness; vegetable broth works for a vegetarian option.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated gives the best flavor and melt; pre-grated can be used but may not melt as creamy.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Sauté aromatics: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Add liquids and pasta: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using. Add uncooked pasta and stir well to submerge.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Cook pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Expert Tips for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food
- Use a large enough pot to give pasta room to cook evenly.
- Don’t cover while simmering to avoid sauce getting too thick or soggy pasta.
- If sauce thickens too much, add a little more broth or cream when reheating.
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food
Make this easy One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta for a quick homemade comfort meal. Perfect for weeknights, creamy, garlicky, and family-friendly!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rotini 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 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs
Optional Toppings
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using. Add uncooked pasta and stir well to submerge.
- Cook pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with cheese: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra cheese if desired.
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 Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food FAQs
Yes! Make it fresh or prepare up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to refresh the creamy sauce.
You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of butter for a lighter option, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing to maintain sauce texture.
Dry pasta usually means there wasn’t enough liquid during cooking; add more broth next time. Soggy pasta can happen if overcooked or if the pot was covered, trapping too much steam.
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Before You Go
If you try this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe - Easy & Homemade Comfort Food, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.