Name: One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound pasta (penne or fettuccine); 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

I’ve always believed that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. That’s exactly why I keep coming back to this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta. It’s a simple yet luxurious dish that brings together bold garlic flavor, rich creaminess, and the satisfying bite of perfectly cooked pasta—all in just one pot. Whether I’m cooking for myself on a busy weeknight or trying to impress guests without the fuss, this recipe never lets me down.

What I love most about it is the balance—it’s creamy but not heavy, garlicky without being overpowering, and it’s all made in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. This pasta is proof that a humble bowl of noodles can be transformed into something extraordinary with just a few pantry staples.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

This dish checks all the boxes: minimal prep, one-pot simplicity, and a restaurant-quality result. The garlic infuses the entire dish with warmth, while the cream and cheese melt into a velvety sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s fast, flavorful, and filling—ideal for when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can easily make it your own.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

While I usually go for penne or fettuccine, this recipe is pretty flexible. Short pasta like rotini or rigatoni works great for capturing all that creamy sauce, while longer noodles like linguine create a more elegant plate. The key is to choose a pasta with enough texture to hold the sauce—avoid delicate types like angel hair, which can turn mushy quickly.

Options for Substitutions

Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy note.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your broth is gluten-free as well.
Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon at the end for a more filling version.
Boost the Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or peas during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color.

Ingredients for this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Pasta (Penne or Fettuccine): The star of the dish, it absorbs all the creamy garlic flavor and provides a hearty bite.
Garlic (Fresh, minced): The bold, aromatic foundation that defines the dish—use lots for full flavor.
Butter: Melts down to create a rich base that enhances the garlic and gives the sauce a silky finish.
Heavy Cream: The core of the creaminess, adding richness and body to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated): Melts into the sauce for depth, saltiness, and that classic cheesy pasta taste.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Helps cook the pasta while infusing it with savory flavor—no need to boil separately.
Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds a gentle heat that complements the creamy base.
Fresh Parsley (Chopped): Adds a touch of brightness and color to the finished plate.
Olive Oil: Helps sauté the garlic and gives the sauce an additional layer of flavor.

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant—don’t let it brown.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Pasta

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add your uncooked pasta and stir to coat evenly in the garlic-infused liquid. Make sure the pasta is just covered with the broth.

Step 3: Let It Cook

Cover the pot and cook the pasta for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb most of the broth and soften as it cooks.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream

Once the pasta is cooked al dente and the broth has mostly reduced, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 3–4 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add the Parmesan

Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This will help the sauce thicken and become glossy and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, straight from the pot, with extra cheese on the side.

How Long to Prepare the One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

This dish is a time-saver without compromising on flavor. Here’s a breakdown:

Prep Time: The only real prep here is mincing the garlic and grating the Parmesan, which takes about 5–7 minutes. Everything else is either pre-packaged or added straight to the pot.

Cook Time: Once the pasta hits the pot, it cooks in the broth and cream for about 15–17 minutes total. That means you can have this entire dish on the table in under 25 minutes, start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights.

Tips for Perfect One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Use freshly grated Parmesan—pre-shredded versions don’t melt as well and can give your sauce a gritty texture.
Don’t overcook the garlic. As soon as it becomes fragrant, move on to the next step. Burnt garlic can make the whole dish bitter.
Keep the heat on medium or medium-low when adding the cream and cheese to prevent curdling or separating.
Stir frequently once the pasta starts cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Adding cheese over high heat: It can clump or separate. Always remove the pot from heat before stirring in cheese.
Not using enough broth: Pasta needs to be mostly submerged so it cooks evenly.
Using low-fat cream: It may curdle or create a thin sauce. Stick to full-fat cream for the best texture.
Overcooking the pasta: Pull it off the heat once it’s just al dente—it will continue softening slightly in the hot sauce.
Skipping seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end for a flavorful finish.

What to Serve With One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, buttery on the inside—it’s a natural companion to soak up extra sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine with tangy dressing and croutons offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

3. Grilled Chicken

A simple grilled chicken breast adds protein and makes the dish feel like a full entrée.

4. Roasted Vegetables

Try oven-roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus for color and extra nutrition.

5. White Wine

A glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc balances the richness beautifully.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

Freezing: This dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to the dairy content, which can separate when thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: ~520
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 460mg
Cholesterol: 75mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Everything else is already meat-free.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be much thinner. Whole milk is best if you go this route, and you might need to add a bit of flour or cheese to thicken it.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently, but the red pepper flakes do add a little heat. Skip them if you prefer a mild flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just use a larger pot and increase the broth proportionally so the pasta still cooks evenly.

What if my sauce gets too thick?

Just add a splash of cream or broth and stir well over low heat until it loosens up.

Conclusion

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is one of those recipes that earns a permanent place in your rotation. It’s cozy, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you’re feeding your family on a tight schedule or treating yourself to a solo comfort meal, this dish delivers satisfaction in every creamy, garlicky bite. Plus, with minimal cleanup, you’ll have more time to actually enjoy your food and less time scrubbing pans. That’s always a win in my book.