One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Name: One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a deliciously simple dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. With its rich, creamy sauce and aromatic garlic flavor, you'll want to make it again and again.

Created by

Ruby Lawson

Last updated on 2025-12-22T22:33:33.515Z

This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a lifesaver for those busy evenings when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic, envelops the pasta perfectly, and best of all, it’s all made in one pot for easy cleanup!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and creamy sauce that's incredibly satisfying
Minimal cleanup with just one pot needed
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights

      

The Perfect Weeknight Meal

When it comes to busy weeknights, finding a meal that is both quick and satisfying can be a challenge. This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta offers a simple solution, allowing you to prepare a hearty dish without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, dinner can be on the table in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for families on the go.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it requires only one pot, which means less time spent cleaning up after a busy meal. The creamy garlic sauce coats the pasta beautifully, providing a comforting and indulgent experience. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a fantastic base for experimentation.

Ingredient Insights

The key to this pasta dish lies in its quality ingredients. Using fresh garlic not only enhances the flavor but also adds health benefits, such as improving immune function and reducing blood pressure. Pairing it with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese contributes to the rich and creamy texture that makes this dish so irresistible.

Opting for vegetable broth instead of water adds an extra layer of flavor to the pasta as it cooks. This simple substitution elevates the dish, making it taste gourmet without the extra effort. Additionally, the use of fettuccine or spaghetti provides a satisfying bite, allowing the sauce to cling perfectly to each strand.

Customization Options

This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit your personal tastes. For a protein boost, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. You can also incorporate seasonal vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas to add color and nutrition to your meal.

If you're looking to reduce calories or make the dish lighter, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, ensuring that it can be enjoyed by everyone at your dinner table.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.

Make the Sauce

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to thicken. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and creamy pasta!

Storage Tips

Leftovers of this creamy garlic pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. This makes it a great recipe for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

It's important to note that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you might need to adjust the consistency with a little extra liquid when reheating. This dish is perfect for those busy nights when you want a homemade meal without starting from scratch.

Pairing Suggestions

To complement your One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, consider serving it with a fresh green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta and helps balance the meal. Additionally, crusty bread or garlic bread can be a delightful accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

For beverage pairings, a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, can enhance the flavors of the dish beautifully. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a light herbal tea can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy pasta.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ Is there a vegetarian substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would be great additions.