One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta: 15 Minute Easy Weeknight Dinner

Feeling overwhelmed by complicated dinner recipes after a long day? I’ve been there! As a college student living in a tiny apartment kitchen, I struggled to find meals that were quick, easy, and didn’t break the bank. That’s exactly why this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta became my go-to dinner solution!

Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind bikren Cook. This creamy garlic pasta recipe promises restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort – everything cooks in just one pot in 15 minutes flat. The silky sauce comes together without heavy cream, making it lighter but still incredibly satisfying.

After years of perfecting easy meals that don’t sacrifice flavor, I’ve found this pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights, apartment cooking, or when you’re cooking for one. The best part? No fancy equipment or culinary skills required.

In this recipe, I’ll share my foolproof method, ingredient substitutions, and serving suggestions to make this pasta a regular in your dinner rotation.

Why This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Works

• Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand
• Cooks in just 15 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy college nights
• Requires only one pot – minimizing cleanup in small apartment kitchens
• Creates a creamy sauce without heavy cream – more affordable and lighter
• Easily customizable – add vegetables or protein if desired
• Perfectly portioned for one person or easily doubled for roommates

Choosing the Right Pasta for Creamy Garlic Pasta

Best Pasta Shapes for This Recipe

For this one pot creamy garlic pasta, medium shapes that can hold sauce work best. Fettuccine, linguine, and spaghetti are classic choices that twirl beautifully in the creamy sauce. If you prefer shorter pasta, penne, rotini, or farfalle (bow ties) capture the sauce in their nooks and ridges.

Buying Tips

When shopping for pasta on a college budget:

• Store brands work perfectly fine for this recipe
• Buy in bulk when on sale
• Whole wheat pasta adds fiber if you’re looking for a healthier option
• Check discount stores for quality pasta at lower prices

Substitutions

Don’t have traditional pasta? This creamy garlic pasta recipe works with:

• Gluten-free pasta (adjust cooking time as it often cooks faster)
• Rice noodles (add these at the end as they cook quickly)
• Fresh pasta (reduce cooking time significantly)

Ingredients & Prep for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Pasta Night Essentials

• Pasta – 8oz (about 2 cups) of your preferred shape
• Broth – 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Milk – 1 cup (whole milk creates the creamiest sauce without heavy cream)
• Garlic – 4-6 cloves, minced (adjust to your preference)
• Butter – 2 tablespoons
• Parmesan cheese – 1/3 cup, freshly grated if possible
• Salt and pepper – to taste
• Optional herbs – fresh parsley, basil, or dried Italian seasoning

Flavor Boosters

• Fresh lemon zest
• Red pepper flakes for heat
• Nutritional yeast (for extra cheesiness if cooking dairy-free)

Pantry Staples

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder (if you don’t have fresh)
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Creamy Garlic Pasta

Pre-Cooking Pasta Prep

1. Measure out all ingredients before starting – this pasta cooks quickly!
2. Mince garlic finely for the best flavor distribution
3. Grate parmesan cheese if using block cheese

Cooking Method for One Pot Pasta

1. In a large pot or deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown)
3. Pour in broth and milk, bring to a gentle simmer
4. Add pasta, stirring to separate strands
5. Cook pasta according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally
6. The liquid will reduce and thicken naturally as the pasta cooks

Doneness Check for Perfect Pasta

Test pasta for al dente texture – it should have a slight firmness when bitten. The sauce should be creamy but not watery. If the pasta isn’t quite done but liquid is getting low, add a splash more broth.

Finishing Your One Pot Pasta

1. Remove from heat
2. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste
4. Let stand for 2 minutes – the sauce will continue to thicken
5. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired

Pro Tips for Perfect One Pot Pasta

Avoiding Common Pasta Mistakes

• Stir frequently to prevent sticking, especially in the first few minutes
• Keep the heat at medium – too high and the liquid evaporates too quickly
• If sauce seems too thin, let it rest for a few minutes after cooking
• If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth

Tool Recommendations

• Use a wide, deep skillet with high sides or a Dutch oven
• Wooden spoons are best for stirring without breaking pasta
• Measuring cups ensure the perfect liquid-to-pasta ratio

Storage & Reheating Easy Pasta Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to revive the creamy sauce
• Reheat gently on stovetop or in microwave at 50% power

Looking for more easy dinner inspiration? Check out my Pinterest page for dozens of quick meal ideas that will revolutionize your weeknight cooking!

Flavor Variations for One Pot Pasta

Vegetable Additions

• Quick-cooking veggies: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas in the last 2-3 minutes
• Pre-cooked veggies: Stir in roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms
• Frozen veggies: Thawed frozen broccoli or mixed vegetables work perfectly

Budget-Friendly Boost

• Protein options: Add a can of drained white beans or chickpeas
• Pantry enhancers: Olives, capers, or artichoke hearts add flavor dimension

Global Flavor Twists

• Mediterranean: Add lemon zest, oregano, and crumbled feta
• Cajun: Stir in cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne
• Pesto: Swirl in 2 tablespoons of prepared pesto before serving

Serving Suggestions for Easy Pasta Dinner

• Simple sides: Pair with a basic green salad or garlic bread
• Make it a meal: Add a side of roasted vegetables for a complete dinner
• Upgrade your presentation: Serve in a wide, shallow bowl and top with extra parmesan and fresh herbs
• For sharing: Place pasta in a serving bowl with tongs for easy self-serving

This easy pasta recipe is perfect for:

• Solo dinner while studying
• Quick meal between classes
• Impressing a date with minimal effort
• Late-night comfort food

FAQs About One Pot Pasta Recipes

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare it up to 2 days ahead. Reheat with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.

How do I fix pasta that’s too dry?
Simply add a splash of milk or broth and gently reheat, stirring until creamy again.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just maintain the same liquid-to-pasta ratio and use a larger pot.

Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Just ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

My sauce is too thin. What went wrong?
Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes after cooking. The sauce will naturally thicken as it cools slightly.

Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes! Unsweetened almond or oat milk works well. The sauce may be slightly less creamy but still delicious.

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta has saved countless weeknights in my apartment kitchen. It proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients, multiple pots, or culinary training to create a delicious meal in minutes.

What I love most about this easy dinner recipe is how adaptable it is to whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s perfect for college students, busy professionals, or anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine without sacrificing flavor.

Try this 15-minute pasta tonight and discover how satisfying simple cooking can be! Share your results or variations in the comments below, and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next busy weeknight.

Remember, sometimes the simplest meals bring the most joy to our tables!