One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
A rich, comforting, and easy-to-make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta that combines tender pasta cooked in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights and customizable with your favorite proteins and veggies.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be modified for vegan and gluten-free)
Pasta and Liquid
- 8 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice (linguine, fettuccine)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Sauce Elements
- 3–4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings and Garnishes
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Sauté Garlic in Butter: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the dry pasta directly to the pot. Ensure pasta is fully covered by the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Once pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season and Finish: Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Toss in chopped fresh parsley if desired for color and freshness. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Adjust broth quantity based on pasta brand absorption.
- Add Parmesan cheese off heat to avoid grainy sauce.
- Serve immediately; reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy garlic pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, garlic cream sauce