Name: One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta | One Pot Pasta Meals
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups chicken broth; 2 cups milk; 8 oz spaghetti or linguine; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; Chopped parsley for garnish

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If there’s one thing I love about one pot pasta meals, it’s how they turn a busy day into a small victory. This creamy garlic pasta is rich, comforting, and ready in under 25 minutes. The kind of recipe that makes you feel like a genius in your own kitchen. Imagine tender noodles soaking up a buttery garlic sauce that smells so good, it practically calls everyone to the table. We all have those nights when cooking feels like a chore, and this is the recipe that saves the day — smooth, savory, and no pile of dishes waiting after dinner. If you’re into one pot pasta recipes, garlic pasta recipes, or even trying your hand at an easy one pot spaghetti recipe, this dish will make you wonder why you ever cooked pasta any other way. For anyone craving quick food recipes pasta or wanting to experiment with instant pot pasta recipes, this is pure comfort in a bowl.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
3) Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
4) How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
5) Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
6) Making One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This creamy garlic pasta is one of those one pot pasta meals that make dinner feel easy again. It’s cozy, rich, and full of flavor, all made in one pan. There’s no need for a pile of dishes, and it turns an ordinary weeknight into a win. Whether you’re new to one pot pasta recipes or you’ve already mastered them, this one will become your go-to comfort meal.

The recipe uses simple ingredients and still feels fancy enough to serve when you’ve got company. It’s that kind of food that reminds you how little it takes to make something great. The creamy garlic sauce clings to the noodles, each bite warm and smooth. I’ve tried many garlic pasta recipes, but this one pot spaghetti recipe stays at the top of my list every single time.

From busy parents to solo cooks, this pasta saves the day. It’s fast, forgiving, and always satisfying. You can dress it up or keep it plain. Either way, it tastes like something you’d get in a cozy Italian kitchen, and it’s proof that simple food can still make you smile.

2) Easy One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

We all have those nights where the thought of cooking feels like too much. That’s where this one pot creamy garlic pasta comes in. It’s creamy, garlicky, and made in a single pot, which means fewer dishes and less stress. You can throw it together while your playlist is still on its first song.

All you need are pantry staples: pasta, milk, broth, garlic, butter, and Parmesan. The kind of stuff most of us already have. The magic happens when it all cooks together—the pasta absorbs every bit of that garlicky broth, turning it into a silky, rich sauce. No separate pan for sauce, no draining the noodles. Just one pot, one spoon, and one very happy cook.

This dish fits right into your rotation of pasta meals. It’s quick, flexible, and perfect for anyone who believes comfort food shouldn’t require a culinary degree. It’s the type of recipe that brings joy with every stir.

3) Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Olive Oil: A good drizzle gives the garlic a golden edge and builds flavor right from the start. It’s the quiet hero of most Italian food recipes pasta lovers swear by.

Garlic: Use fresh cloves, not the jarred kind. Minced garlic makes the kitchen smell like heaven in under a minute. Just don’t let it brown too much, or it’ll turn bitter.

Chicken Broth: The backbone of the sauce. It adds depth and keeps the pasta from sticking. Use low-sodium if you want to control the salt level.

Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess without feeling heavy. You can swap it for half-and-half if you like it richer.

Spaghetti: Long, thin noodles work best for this one pot spaghetti recipe because they soak up the sauce perfectly. Break them in half to fit in the pot if needed.

Butter and Parmesan: Together, they turn the sauce into velvet. The Parmesan melts right in, thickening it naturally.

Parsley: Fresh and bright, it cuts through the richness. Sprinkle some on top before serving, and your pasta looks like it came from a restaurant kitchen.

4) How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Step 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add minced garlic and stir until the air smells like pure comfort. Don’t rush this part—it’s where the flavor starts building.

Step 2. Pour in chicken broth and milk. When it begins to simmer, add your uncooked pasta. Yes, straight into the pot. That’s the beauty of one pot pasta meals—it all happens together.

Step 3. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper if you like a little kick. Stir every now and then, keeping an eye on the noodles as they soak up all that goodness.

Step 4. Once the pasta is al dente, stir in butter and Parmesan until it melts into a creamy sauce that hugs every noodle. Taste and adjust the seasoning. This is the part where it goes from good to amazing.

Step 5. Serve immediately with chopped parsley and maybe an extra sprinkle of cheese. Sit down, take a bite, and feel proud that you made something this good without breaking a sweat.

5) Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Use the right pot. A wide, deep pan works best so the pasta can move freely while cooking. Too small, and it might clump up.

Stir more often than you think. Since the pasta cooks in the same pot, stirring helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking at the bottom. A quick stir every few minutes is all it takes.

Go easy on the salt until the end. Parmesan adds saltiness too, so taste before adding more. A small taste test can save the whole dish.

If you’re a fan of instant pot pasta recipes, you can adapt this one. Just reduce the liquid slightly and use the sauté setting first. It still delivers the same creamy texture with half the effort.

6) Making One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Ahead of Time

This recipe can be made ahead without losing flavor. Cook it until just shy of done, then cool it slightly. When you’re ready to serve, warm it on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to bring the creaminess back.

I often make a big batch on Sunday nights and store portions in the fridge for busy weekdays. It reheats beautifully and makes me feel like I’m winning at meal prep without trying too hard.

Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, one pot pasta recipes like this one stay fresh, creamy, and delicious even after a few days. Just keep it airtight and cool—it’ll taste as good as new.

7) Storing Leftover One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The sauce thickens a bit as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to life.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warm, stirring halfway through. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep creamy pasta smooth after refrigerating, that’s the trick. A little liquid and a quick stir—back to perfect.

This dish freezes too, though I prefer it fresh. If you do freeze it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. It’s a small step for a comforting bowl later in the week.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta