Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy garlic pasta is the epitome of comfort food that doesn’t require a culinary degree to master. The rich, velvety sauce coats each strand of pasta perfectly, creating a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. It’s become my go-to when I need to impress guests or simply treat myself to something special after a long day. The best part? Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal!
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe Ready in 20 Minutes
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Add the vegetable broth, milk, and pasta to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
When pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, add cream cheese and parmesan. Stir until completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Finish with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic pasta stands beautifully on its own as a simple vegetarian main course, making it perfect for easy dinner recipes no meat. For a complete meal, serve with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. A piece of crusty bread on the side is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce!
For an elegant touch, add a sprinkle of additional parmesan cheese and fresh herbs just before serving. This transforms a humble pasta night idea into a dish worthy of company.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken considerably when chilled.
Freezer: This pasta dish isn’t ideal for freezing as the creamy sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed.
Reheat: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Helpful Tips
Pasta Choice: While long pasta like fettuccine works beautifully, you can substitute any pasta shape you have on hand. This is particularly helpful for easy apartment meals when pantry space is limited.
No Heavy Cream Needed: This recipe achieves its creaminess from cream cheese instead of heavy cream, making it more economical and a staple for pasta recipes no heavy cream
Consistency Control: If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add a bit more parmesan.
One-Pot Success: For true one-pot cooking, don’t drain the pasta! The starchy cooking liquid becomes part of your sauce, adding body and flavor.
Recipe Variations
Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-rich sauce that works well in easy recipes for one person.
Add spinach or peas in the last 2 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color, elevating your easy meals dinner routine.
Make it vegan by using plant-based milk, nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and dairy-free cream cheese. This adaptation is perfect for accommodating dietary restrictions without sacrificing creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta in this recipe?
Yes! Gluten-free pasta works well, but keep a close eye on cooking time as it can cook faster than traditional pasta. You might need to adjust the liquid amount slightly.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead of time. If making for meal prep, consider slightly undercooking the pasta so it doesn’t become mushy when reheated.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
The original recipe contains dairy products, but you can easily make it dairy-free by substituting the milk, cream cheese, and parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
How can I make it more flavorful?
Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic instead of fresh. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme also elevate the flavor profile significantly.
Conclusion
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the answer to busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Perfect for dinner ideas college students can master, it proves that impressive meals don’t require complicated techniques or expensive ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding friends, this pasta dish delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
For more easy and delicious recipe inspiration that will transform your mealtimes, check out my Pinterest page at – where you’ll discover countless creative solutions for your everyday cooking challenges!