One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish made by cooking pasta in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce all in one pot. This simple yet elegant recipe delivers tender pasta coated in a silky sauce, enhanced with fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings, perfect for quick weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Mary
- 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 made Gluten Free or Dairy Free with substitutions)
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine (or your favorite pasta)
Garlic and Aromatics
- 4–5 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese and Seasonings
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Sauté the Garlic: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add freshly minced garlic. Cook gently until fragrant and golden, releasing the aroma and building the sauce’s flavor base.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Add dry pasta directly into the pot along with chicken or vegetable broth and heavy cream. Stir to coat and submerge the pasta evenly, ensuring uniform cooking.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer while stirring regularly. Allow the pasta to absorb the broth and cream, cooking until al dente and preventing sticking.
- Stir in Cheese and Season: Once pasta is tender and sauce thickened, stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste for a savory finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley or your preferred herbs over the pasta for a burst of freshness before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor impact.
- Stir often to prevent pasta from sticking to the pot.
- Adjust broth or cream quantities to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Choose freshly grated Parmesan for optimal melting and flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture and prevent mushiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy garlic pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, garlic cream sauce, comfort food, vegetarian pasta