Creamy Garlic Pasta: One Pot Dinner Magic (Print Version)
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is my weeknight savior! Rich, garlicky, and so simple, this recipe comes together in one pan for pure comfort.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Can be Vegetarian (with veg broth)
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta & Base
01 -
Uncooked Pasta (like fettuccine or linguine)
02 -
Chicken or Vegetable Broth (low sodium)
→ Aromatic & Flavor Boosters
03 -
Garlic (freshly minced)
04 -
Butter (unsalted)
05 -
Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
→ Creamy Goodness
06 -
Heavy Cream
07 -
Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
→ Finishing Touches
08 -
Fresh Parsley (chopped)
09 -
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Alright, first things first! Grab a large, deep pot or a Dutch oven – you want something with enough room for everything to simmer happily without boiling over. Melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in all that glorious minced garlic. Oh, the smell! This is where your kitchen starts to transform. Sauté it for about a minute, just until it's fragrant. Don't let it brown, or it'll get bitter; I've definitely burned garlic before, and trust me, that's a sad, sad smell and taste. Keep an eye on it!
02 -
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Now, here's the crucial part: add your uncooked pasta. Make sure it's submerged as much as possible. If you’re using longer pasta like fettuccine, you might need to break it in half, which I always feel a little guilty about, but it’s necessary! Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. This is where the magic really starts for your creamy garlic pasta.
03 -
Let it simmer, uncovered, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This is *not* the time to walk away and scroll through Instagram, trust me. You need to stir frequently, especially in the last few minutes, to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. I always forget to stir enough and end up with a bit of a sticky situation, but a good wooden spoon and some elbow grease usually fix it. Keep that creamy garlic pasta moving!
04 -
Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid is mostly gone, it’s time for the heavy cream. Pour it in, give it a good stir, and let it warm through for another 2-3 minutes. The sauce will thicken beautifully as it simmers gently. This step is all about getting that luxurious texture. You’ll see it transform from a brothy mess to a velvety dream right before your eyes. Don't let it boil vigorously; a gentle simmer is what we're aiming for here.
05 -
Take the pot off the heat. Now, stir in that freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Oh, yes! Stir it until it's completely melted and incorporated, creating that irresistible cheesy goodness. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. This is your chance to adjust it perfectly – taste, adjust, taste again! I usually add a little more pepper than salt, but that’s just me. This step truly brings the entire creamy garlic pasta dish together.
06 -
Finally, stir in most of the fresh chopped parsley. Reserve a little for garnishing. If you like a bit of heat, now’s the time to sprinkle in those red pepper flakes. Ladle your glorious One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta into bowls, garnish with the remaining parsley, and serve immediately. It’s truly best enjoyed fresh, when the sauce is at its creamiest and the pasta is perfectly tender. Prepare for happy sighs all around!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the pot, seriously, it steams instead of simmers, and that's not what we want for that creamy texture.
02 -
Leftovers are great, but sometimes the sauce thickens. A splash of milk or broth when reheating helps bring it back to life.
03 -
Tried using nutritional yeast once for a cheesy flavor without dairy, worked surprisingly well for a lighter twist.
04 -
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dash of chili flakes really elevates the whole dish, makes it look fancy!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large
02 -
deep pot or Dutch oven
03 -
wooden spoon
04 -
grater (for cheese)
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 650
Total Fat: 45g
Total Carbohydrate: 50g
Protein: 20g