The Creamiest One-Pot Garlic Pasta You’ll Make on Repeat

If you love simple garlic pasta, cozy bowls of creamy garlic butter noodles, or quick easy at home meals, this one-pot recipe is going to become a lifesaver. It’s rich, velvety, loaded with garlic flavor, and cooks entirely in one pot meaning minimal dishes and maximum comfort.

This dish fits beautifully into:
One pot creamy garlic pasta
No meat pasta recipes
Sides for pasta
Easy creamy garlic pasta

It’s the perfect weeknight meal, comforting lunch, or late-night craving made in minutes.

table of contents

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients List

Base Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 ½ cups milk (or half & half for richer)
  • 8 oz spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Creamy Finish

  • ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy equipment just simple kitchen basics:

  • Large deep skillet or pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Knife + cutting board
  • Ladle (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Sauté the garlic
    Melt butter with olive oil → add garlic → cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add pasta + liquids
    Pour in broth, milk, and seasonings → add dry pasta straight into the pot.
  3. Simmer until noodles soften
    Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook 10–12 minutes.
  4. Make it creamy
    Once pasta is tender, lower heat → stir in parmesan and cream cheese until silky.
  5. Adjust consistency
    Add more milk for looser sauce or simmer longer for thicker texture.
  6. Serve hot
    Top with parsley, cracked black pepper, or extra parmesan. 😍🍝

Pro Tips

  • Make it richer: Use half & half or heavy cream.
  • Want more garlic? Add roasted garlic or garlic powder.
  • Add veggies: Spinach, peas, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
  • Perfect as a side: Serve with chicken, shrimp, steak, or salmon.
  • Keep it no-meat: Pair with garlic bread or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 bowl37012g50g13g3g5g

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

The Creamiest One-Pot Garlic Pasta You’ll Make on Repeat

A silky, rich, one-pot creamy garlic pasta made with simple ingredients — no meat, no mess. Perfect for busy nights and quick comfort food cravings.
Course: Dinner, Main, One Pot
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2.5 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 8 oz dry pasta (penne, rotini, etc.)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 oz cream cheese

Equipment

  • large pot or deep skillet
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • grater (for Parmesan)

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add dry pasta, broth, milk, and Italian seasoning. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
  3. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  4. Stir in Parmesan and cream cheese until fully melted and sauce is creamy. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 540mgPotassium: 240mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 650IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Use any short pasta like penne or rotini. For a thinner sauce, add more broth or milk. Stir in spinach or frozen peas at the end for a veggie boost. This pasta thickens as it cools, so serve immediately or loosen with liquid when reheating.

Tried this recipe?

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Conclusion

This one pot creamy garlic pasta is everything you want flavorful, silky, garlicky, and unbelievably easy. It’s the perfect comfort meal, no-meat dinner, or side dish that pairs with almost anything. Simple ingredients, minimal dishes, and a restaurant-style flavor you’ll crave again and again.

FAQs

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes use oat milk and dairy-free parmesan.

Can I add protein?

Chicken, shrimp, or salmon pair beautifully.

Can I use any pasta shape?

Yes linguine, fettuccine, penne, or shells all work.