One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!)

When dinner needs to happen fast—but you still want something rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying—one pot creamy garlic pasta is the answer. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor using simple pantry ingredients, minimal prep, and just one pot from start to finish.

Creamy garlic pasta is a classic for a reason. Garlic infuses the sauce with savory warmth, cream provides luxurious richness, and pasta absorbs everything as it cooks, creating a silky texture you simply can’t get from boiling and draining separately. The best part? This version comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute dinners, or lazy evenings when cleanup needs to be minimal.

Unlike traditional cream sauces that require multiple pans and careful timing, this one-pot method allows the pasta to cook directly in the sauce. As the starch releases, it naturally thickens the sauce, creating a smooth, cohesive dish with very little effort.

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Why You’ll Love This One Pot Pasta

This creamy garlic pasta recipe is a keeper because it’s:

• Ready in 20 minutes or less
• Made entirely in one pot
• Rich and creamy without being heavy
• Budget-friendly and pantry-based
• Easy to customize with protein or veggies

It’s comfort food without the hassle, and it’s elegant enough to serve guests—even though it’s incredibly simple.

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What Makes One Pot Pasta So Creamy?

Cooking pasta directly in liquid allows the starches to release into the sauce as it simmers. Instead of draining that starch away, it stays in the pot, naturally thickening the sauce and helping it cling to every strand of pasta. When combined with butter, cream, and cheese, the result is a silky, restaurant-style sauce with almost no effort.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• ½ cup heavy cream

Seasonings & Cheese

• ¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Start the Garlic Base
   In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
2. Add Liquids and Pasta
   Pour in milk, broth, and cream. Stir well, then add dry pasta, gently pressing it down so it’s mostly submerged.
3. Simmer
   Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
4. Season
   Stir in salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
5. Add Cheese
   Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Rest and Serve
   Let pasta sit for 2 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Pasta

• Stir frequently to prevent sticking
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting
• Don’t overcook garlic—it should stay pale
• Sauce thickens as it rests, so don’t over-reduce

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Easy Variations

This recipe is a perfect base for add-ins:

• Chicken: Add cooked chicken slices
• Shrimp: Stir in cooked shrimp at the end
• Spinach: Fold in fresh spinach until wilted
• Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with garlic
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes

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Serving Suggestions

Serve one pot creamy garlic pasta with:

• Simple green salad
• Garlic bread or focaccia
• Roasted vegetables

It’s also satisfying enough to enjoy completely on its own.

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Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently with a splash of milk
• Best enjoyed fresh but reheats well

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Why This Recipe Works

By cooking the pasta directly in milk and broth, you eliminate unnecessary steps while maximizing flavor. The starch naturally thickens the sauce, and finishing with Parmesan creates a rich, cohesive dish without needing flour or complicated techniques. Fast, simple, and incredibly comforting—this is weeknight pasta perfection.