Name: One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is my go-to comfort food when I need something rich, satisfying, and super easy to make. It’s a creamy, garlicky pasta dish that comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights or when I’m simply craving something indulgent without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines minimal effort with maximum flavor. Everything cooks in a single pot — no draining required — and the result is a luscious, creamy pasta infused with plenty of garlic. It’s a perfect base that I can customize with protein or vegetables, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. The simplicity of this dish, paired with its rich and comforting flavor, makes it a favorite in my weekly rotation.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fettuccine or spaghetti
Garlic, minced
Butter
Olive oil
Vegetable or chicken broth
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by heating butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
I sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant — just about 1 minute to keep it from burning.
Then, I pour in the broth and heavy cream, stir to combine, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
I add the pasta directly into the pot, making sure it’s mostly submerged, and cook it uncovered.
I stir frequently to prevent sticking, letting the pasta absorb the liquid and become tender — this usually takes about 12-15 minutes.
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, I stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and smooth.
I finish it off with a little salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 5 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so it’s on the table in just 25 minutes.

Variations

I like to play around with this recipe depending on what I have in the fridge. Sometimes I add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein. I’ve also stirred in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a little extra color and flavor. Swapping the cream with coconut milk creates a dairy-free version that’s still super creamy and flavorful.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce and warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. The microwave works too, but I make sure to heat it gently to avoid drying out the pasta.

FAQs

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

I stir frequently and make sure to monitor the liquid. If it thickens too quickly, I add a splash of broth or cream to thin it out.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich. I sometimes use whole milk or mix milk with a bit of butter to mimic the creaminess.

What type of pasta works best?

I usually use fettuccine or spaghetti, but penne and linguine also work well. I just make sure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but I’ve made it ahead and reheated it with extra cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

It can be! I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip any meat additions to keep it fully vegetarian.

Conclusion

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is one of those dishes I turn to again and again — it’s quick, creamy, full of garlic flavor, and only requires one pot. Whether I’m feeding the family or just want something easy for myself, this recipe never lets me down. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, which makes it even more lovable.