Why Make This Recipe
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This recipe is simple and quick, making it perfect for those who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just one pot to clean, you can enjoy the rich flavors of creamy garlic sauce mixed with pasta. It’s satisfying, comforting, and sure to please everyone at the table.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
- Pasta (e.g., fettuccine or spaghetti)
- Garlic (minced)
- Milk
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- In a large pot or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add pasta, milk, and enough water to cover the pasta.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened (about 10-12 minutes).
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta hot, either on its own or with a side salad. You can also pair it with garlic bread for an extra touch. A sprinkling of fresh parsley adds color and freshness, making your dish visually appealing.
How to Store One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
To store leftover pasta, let it cool completely first. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick.
Tips to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Use your favorite type of pasta for this recipe. Both fettuccine and spaghetti work well.
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more or less milk, depending on your preference.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or sautéing some vegetables with the garlic.
MEAL PREP & MAKE-AHEAD TIPS
ONE POT CREAMY GARLIC PASTA IS A GREAT RECIPE FOR MEAL PREP BECAUSE IT REHEATS BEAUTIFULLY AND STAYS CREAMY WITH JUST A SPLASH OF MILK. YOU CAN COOK THE PASTA COMPLETELY, LET IT COOL, AND DIVIDE IT INTO INDIVIDUAL CONTAINERS FOR EASY GRAB-AND-GO LUNCHES OR QUICK DINNERS. IF YOU PLAN TO REHEAT IT LATER, COOK THE PASTA JUST TO AL DENTE SO IT DOESN’T GET TOO SOFT WHEN REHEATING. THIS DISH ALSO WORKS WELL AS A BASE: YOU CAN ADD COOKED CHICKEN, SHRIMP, OR STEAMED VEGETABLES WHEN YOU REHEAT, MAKING IT EASY TO TURN ONE BIG POT OF PASTA INTO DIFFERENT MEALS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.
Variation
You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to this dish to make it a complete meal. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or goat cheese, for a unique flavor twist.
FAQs
CAN I USE WHOLE MILK INSTEAD OF REGULAR MILK?
YES, YOU CAN DEFINITELY USE WHOLE MILK, AND IT WILL ACTUALLY MAKE THE SAUCE TASTE RICHER AND CREAMIER. WHOLE MILK HAS MORE FAT THAN SKIM OR LOW-FAT MILK, WHICH HELPS THE SAUCE COAT THE PASTA BETTER AND GIVES IT A SILKY TEXTURE. IF YOU PREFER A LIGHTER DISH, YOU CAN USE 2% OR LOW-FAT MILK, BUT THE SAUCE MAY BE A LITTLE THINNER. IF THE SAUCE EVER FEELS TOO THICK, JUST ADD A SMALL SPLASH OF MILK OR WATER AT THE END AND STIR UNTIL IT LOOSENS UP.IS IT POSSIBLE TO MAKE THIS DISH VEGAN?
YES! TO MAKE THIS RECIPE VEGAN, SUBSTITUTE THE DAIRY MILK WITH A PLANT-BASED MILK SUCH AS UNSWEETENED ALMOND MILK, OAT MILK, OR SOY MILK. CHOOSE AN UNSWEETENED VERSION SO THE SAUCE STAYS SAVORY. INSTEAD OF PARMESAN CHEESE, YOU CAN USE VEGAN PARMESAN, VEGAN SHREDDED CHEESE, OR A FEW TABLESPOONS OF NUTRITIONAL YEAST TO ADD A CHEESY, UMAMI FLAVOR. ALSO, MAKE SURE TO USE OLIVE OIL OR VEGAN BUTTER FOR SAUTÉING. WITH THESE SIMPLE SWAPS, YOU CAN ENJOY A DAIRY-FREE, VEGAN-FRIENDLY CREAMY GARLIC PASTA THAT STILL TASTES DELICIOUS.HOW DO I KNOW WHEN THE PASTA IS DONE?
THE PASTA IS DONE WHEN IT REACHES AN “AL DENTE” TEXTURE, WHICH MEANS IT’S COOKED THROUGH BUT STILL HAS A SLIGHT FIRM BITE IN THE CENTER. THE BEST WAY TO CHECK IS TO TASTE A STRAND OF PASTA A MINUTE OR TWO BEFORE THE RECOMMENDED COOKING TIME IS UP. IF IT’S TOO FIRM, LET IT COOK A LITTLE LONGER, STIRRING OCCASIONALLY SO IT DOESN’T STICK. REMEMBER THAT THE PASTA WILL CONTINUE TO ABSORB SOME SAUCE EVEN AFTER YOU TURN OFF THE HEAT, SO IT’S BETTER TO STOP COOKING WHEN IT’S JUST AL DENTE RATHER THAN VERY SOFT. THIS HELPS KEEP BOTH THE TEXTURE AND THE SAUCE PERFECT.
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (e.g., fettuccine or spaghetti) Your choice of pasta.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced Use more if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
- 2 cups Milk Substitute with whole milk for a creamier sauce.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Can substitute with different types of cheese.
- 2 tbsp Olive oil For sautéing garlic.
- to taste Salt Add to taste.
- to taste Black pepper Add to taste.
- optional Fresh parsley For garnish.
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large pot or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add pasta, milk, and enough water to cover the pasta.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened (about 10-12 minutes).
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.