Are you ready to indulge in a creamy, garlicky delight that requires minimal effort? One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This dish captures the rich flavors of garlic combined with smooth creaminess, making it a comforting favorite for pasta lovers everywhere.
What’s more, the beauty of this one-pot wonder lies in its convenience. With everything cooked in one vessel, cleanup is a breeze! So whether you’re feeding a family or whipping up a quick meal for yourself, this garlic-infused pasta dish will entice your taste buds and simplify your cooking experience.
Ingredients:
To create your luscious One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, gather the following ingredients:
– 1-2 tbsp olive oil
– 6 minced garlic cloves
– 1 pinch of red pepper flakes
– 1.5 cups your choice of small pasta (like shells or macaroni)
– 1.5-2 cups chicken broth (adjust for desired creaminess)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt & pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
The beauty of this delicious dish lies in its simplicity. Start by heating the olive oil in a pot, where you’ll sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to create a fragrant base. Then, add the small pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot, allowing it to cook until perfectly tender. Finish with butter, Parmesan, and seasoning. If you enjoy creamy pasta dishes, you might also like my Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, which encapsulates similar flavors while providing a delightful twist!

How to Prepare One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta:
For a delightful bowl of One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, start by heating 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the 6 minced garlic cloves and a pinch of red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Next, mix in 1.5 cups of small pasta, allowing it to absorb those aromatic flavors. Pour in 1.5-2 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, cooking until the pasta is al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt and mix thoroughly for a rich, creamy texture. Next, add 1/3 cup of parmesan cheese, stirring until smoothly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. For additional inspiration, check out this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe for a delightful twist on creamy pasta dishes.
Cooking Tips for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta:
When preparing your One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, consider using high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor. Start with fresh garlic; sauté it gently to avoid burning. This way, it adds a wonderful depth to your sauce. Additionally, select pasta that cooks well, like fettuccine or penne, to enhance the dish’s texture. Remember to reserve some pasta water! This starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and combines all the flavors. For a unique twist, you might want to check out Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta for variations on creamy sauces that complement your dish perfectly.
If you’re interested in more detailed recipes, visit Kennas Cooks for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta to discover additional tips and techniques that will elevate your cooking. Lastly, do not rush the cooking process; allowing the flavors to meld will result in a delicious, creamy pasta dish everyone will love!
Serving Suggestions for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta:
Pairing your One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta with the right sides can elevate your dining experience significantly. For a delightful meal, serve your creamy pasta with a fresh green salad. A simple arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish beautifully. Additionally, crusty garlic bread adds a satisfying crunch that balances the creamy texture, enhancing the overall flavor.
If you’re in the mood for heartier fare, consider incorporating a protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp makes for an excellent addition, providing additional flavor and nutrition. You can also serve this pasta alongside a comforting dish like Crock Pot Chili. This brings diverse tastes to the table and ensures everyone leaves satisfied. Don’t forget to sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top to elevate your One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta even further. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Variations of One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta:
There are countless delightful ways to customize your One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta. Start by adding protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon to enhance the flavor. For a vegetarian option, consider incorporating roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These not only boost nutrition but also add a vibrant color to your dish.
You might also explore flavor profiles by tossing in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives. Twist your creamy experience further with herbs like basil or oregano. For a fun twist, try out the wonderful Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, which harmonizes many of these elements. This variation harmonizes a rich, creamy sauce with the taste of the Tuscan sun.
To keep your dish light yet hearty, swap traditional pasta for whole grain or zucchini noodles. The adaptability of this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta ensures that you can make it suit any palate or occasion. Embrace creativity to keep mealtime exciting!
Storage Tips:
To store your One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can remain in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer preservation, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stovetop. For a delicious alternative, try Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, which also makes for great leftovers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What ingredients do I need for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta?
To make this delightful one-pot creamy dish, you will need pasta, garlic, cream, vegetable or chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and any vegetables or proteins you prefer to add. The beauty resides in its simplicity, offering a comforting meal without extensive prep.
How long does it take to cook One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta?
This dish typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. The quick cook time allows for a fresh and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade flavor without the hassle.
Can I customize the One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta recipe?
Absolutely! Personalize your creamy garlic pasta by adding ingredients like grilled chicken or fresh spinach for extra nutrition.
Is there a vegetarian version of One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by swapping out chicken broth for vegetable broth and adding seasonal veggies. This retains the comforting flavors while catering to plant-based diets.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Any short pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle, works wonderfully in creamy garlic pasta recipes. These shapes hold the sauce well, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Can I make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta in advance?
You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, simply add a splash of water or cream to restore its creamy texture.
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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta: A Comfort Food Winner
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and delicious dish, perfect for busy weeknights. The rich flavors of garlic and creamy sauce envelop perfectly cooked pasta, all made in just one pot!
Ingredients
1–2 tbsp olive oil
6 minced garlic cloves
pinch of red pepper flakes
1.5 cups small pasta
1.5–2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp butter
1/3 cup parmesan
salt & pepper to taste
parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
- Add the small pasta, chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and butter, cooking until the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Remove from heat, stir in parmesan, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, creamy pasta, garlic pasta, one pot meals