One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Indulge in a rich and creamy pasta dish that's simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-21T09:45:38.421Z

This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the perfect dish for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. It combines the richness of cream with the aromatic flavor of garlic, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy flavor that satisfies every pasta lover
  • Minimal cleanup with just one pot to wash
  • Quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights
  • Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins

The Allure of Creamy Garlic Sauce

Creamy garlic sauce is a culinary delight that elevates any pasta dish to a new level of indulgence. The combination of rich heavy cream with the robust flavor of garlic creates a sauce that clings beautifully to each strand of pasta. This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that feels luxurious yet is incredibly easy to make.

The use of Parmesan cheese adds a nutty depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile. As the cheese melts into the cream, it thickens the sauce and creates a velvety texture that is simply irresistible. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this creamy garlic sauce will impress everyone at the table.

A One-Pot Wonder for Busy Nights

One-pot meals are a lifesaver for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence. This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta not only saves time but also reduces the amount of cleanup required, making it a practical choice for busy individuals and families. You can go from prep to plate in just a matter of minutes, allowing you to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without the hassle.

The simplicity of this recipe means you can whip it up even on the busiest nights. With just one pot, you can cook your pasta and sauce simultaneously, ensuring that flavors meld beautifully while saving you time. Plus, the minimal cleanup means you can spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying the meal with your loved ones.

Customizing Your Pasta Dish

One of the best aspects of this creamy garlic pasta is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Add your favorite vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for a burst of color and nutrients. If you're looking to incorporate protein, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a hearty meal.

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to give the dish your personal touch. Fresh basil or thyme can add a wonderful aromatic flavor, while a pinch of red pepper flakes can bring a touch of heat. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

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

Gather all the ingredients before starting for a smooth cooking experience.

Instructions

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Broth and Pasta

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.

Make it Creamy

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Tips for Perfect Pasta

To achieve the best results, be sure to cook your pasta al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, ensuring it holds up well in the creamy sauce. Follow the package instructions for timing, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be added to the sauce to help achieve the perfect consistency, making it even creamier and helping the sauce adhere better to the pasta.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing your creamy garlic pasta is easy. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture, and heat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

For best results, avoid microwaving it as this can cause the sauce to separate. Instead, gently reheating on the stove will help maintain the dish's delicious consistency and flavor.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with any pasta of your choice, but cooking times may vary.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth and omit any meat for a vegetarian-friendly dish.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and cook the pasta just before serving.

→ How can I make it healthier?

You can use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of cream, or add more vegetables for extra nutrition.

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Indulge in a rich and creamy pasta dish that's simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

  1. 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  2. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  3. 2 cups vegetable broth
  4. 1 cup heavy cream
  5. 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  6. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  7. Salt and pepper to taste
  8. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 02

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.

Step 03

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 04

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 12g