One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Perfection

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Ready in 20 Minutes

By Chloe PatelSeptember 27, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a creamy pasta dinner that's ready in a flash? Have you ever thought that you could have the ultimate comfort dish ready in under 20 minutes? This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the answer! Honestly, it's got that perfect balance of rich, garlicky flavour that will have you saying "Mmm!" after every mouthful.

Brief Overview

Pasta dishes hold a special place in many cuisines and hearts. This recipe brings that culinary magic to your kitchen.

Originating from a need for quick and convenient meals, this one-pot wonder is incredibly easy. It takes only about 20 minutes to whip up.

The recipe yields about 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a cosy night in.

Main Benefits

This Easy Pasta recipe boasts a fantastic health benefit: you control the ingredients! This means less salt and better quality cheese.

Imagine serving this up after a long day. It's the ultimate comfort food. What makes this Garlic Pasta recipe special? It's the fact that it's all done in one pot.

Fewer dishes!

Ingredients for Your One-Pot Masterpiece

Ready to gather your bits and bobs? You'll need 1 pound of your favourite pasta. I love using spaghetti or fettuccine, for example.

You'll also need 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, 2 cups of water, and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Don't forget about the garlic! You'll want 6 cloves , minced.

Oh my gosh! It smells divine already.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this amazing One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta . Honestly, it's so simple, even I, with my sometimes questionable cooking skills, can nail it every time.

Think of it as your new easy pasta go-to!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

So, what's on the shopping list? Here’s the lowdown for our super creamy pasta dinner , all laid out for ya.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Pasta: 1 pound (454g) . I like spaghetti, but fettuccine works great too. Pro tip: Get good quality pasta. It really makes a difference. You know what I mean? That taste!
Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml) . Low sodium is your friend here. We don't want it too salty, right?
Water: 2 cups (475ml) . Just plain ol' water. Easy peasy!
Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) . Unsalted, so you can control the salt.
Garlic: 6 cloves , minced (about 2 tablespoons). Don't be shy with the garlic cloves ! It's a garlic pasta , after all.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) . This is what makes it ultra creamy .
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) , grated. And then MORE for serving , because why not?

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Okay, so here’s where you can get a little creative.

Essential Combo: Salt and pepper are a must. Obvs.
Flavor Boosters: Red pepper flakes are awesome for a little heat. I use about 1/4 teaspoon .
Aromatics: Fresh parsley at the end is chef's kiss .
Quick Sub: If you don't have parsley, a little dried Italian seasoning works.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

You really don't need much to make this One Pot Pasta Recipes masterpiece.

Large Pot: A big pot or Dutch oven is perfect. It all cooks in one pot , remember?
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Gotta measure stuff, you know?
Garlic Mincer (Optional): Makes life easier, but you can chop it by hand.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring!

This weeknight pasta is all about ease. If you haven't got a fancy mincer, chop that garlic like a boss.

If you’re missing something, don't sweat it! We can work around most things for this quick garlic pasta . This recipe is really forgiving!

Now that we know what we need, let's get cooking, shall we? Trust me, this One Pot Creamy Pasta is going to blow your mind!

Alright then, let's get this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta knocked out! Honestly, I'm envisioning something comforting, quick, and guaranteed to be a winner.

Think less 'MasterChef fancy' and more 'Nadiya Hussain baking show' - approachable and delicious. This recipe is the Easy Pasta answer to your cravings!

Let's Get This Garlic-y Show on the Road!

This recipe makes 4 servings. Prep is about 5 minutes . Cook time is around 15 minutes , so you’re looking at a total of 20 minutes from start to finish.

I know, right? Amazing!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, let's get organized. It's all about the essential mise en place. Get your 6 cloves of Garlic Cloves peeled and minced.

Measure out 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 2 cups of water. Grate 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley for garnish.

Trust me; this makes everything smoother.

Time Saving Tip: Use a garlic press. Seriously, it's a game changer. Also, pre-grating your cheese saves a bunch of time.

step-by-step: One Pot Pasta Recipes Magic!

Okay, here's where the magic happens. We're making this One Pot Creamy Pasta , so less washing-up, winner winner!

Combine 1 pound of pasta, broth, water, 4 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy!), salt, and pepper in a large pot.
Bring it to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for about 12- 15 minutes . Remember to stir occasionally to stop the pasta from sticking. Follow the pasta packaging instructions for time.
Once the pasta's cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, take the pot off the heat.
Stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve this Creamy Pasta Dinner immediately.

Pro Tips: From Novice to Pasta Pro!

Don't overcook the pasta! Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested cook time. Soggy pasta is a crime against humanity.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. You know, that starchy liquid gold. It works wonders!
For a vegetarian Garlic Pasta version, switch out the chicken broth for vegetable broth.

Honestly, this Weeknight Pasta is a lifesaver. Quick Garlic Pasta and tasty too! Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for the Best One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Right then, so you're about to tackle this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta , are you? Ace! Before you dive in headfirst like I did the first time, let's run through a few notes to make sure it's a proper success, yeah?

Serving Up a Treat: Plating and Presentation

Honestly, presentation can make all the difference. Forget those fancy chef shows, think rustic charm! A big bowl of steaming creamy garlic pasta , sprinkled with fresh parsley, does the trick.

Serve straight from the pot. For an extra touch, offer a wedge of lemon on the side for a bit of zing.

What to have with it? I reckon some garlic bread is a must. A side salad with a simple vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely too.

You know, get your five a day in!

Storing and Reheating: No Waste Here!

If you've got leftovers and that's a big if in my house pop them in an airtight container.

They'll keep happily in the fridge for up to three days. Give them a microwave blast, making sure the internal temperature reaches 74° C ( 165° F) .

Honestly, it's just as lush the next day! Freezing? I wouldn't recommend it. The cream sauce can get a bit wonky.

Tweak It 'Til You Make It: Variations on the Theme

Fancy a bit of a change? Ditch the chicken broth for veggie broth. Boom, vegetarian garlic pasta ! If you want a kick, chuck in some extra red pepper flakes.

My mate Sarah always adds some cooked chicken to hers. I'm telling you, that's the kind of friend we all need!

Nutrition Lowdown: Fuel for Your Day

Alright, so this One Pot Creamy Pasta Dinner isn't exactly health food. But it’s delicious . It's a good source of carbs for energy, and the Parmesan gives you a protein boost.

Just remember, everything in moderation, yeah? It’s estimated to be around 550 calories a serving.

Honestly, this Easy Pasta recipe is a game changer. It's quick, comforting, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser. So, get in the kitchen and give it a go! You'll be whipping up Quick Garlic Pasta like a pro in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta for this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta?

Absolutely! While long pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work best, you can definitely experiment. Just keep in mind that different shapes may require slightly different cooking times. Keep an eye on it and taste as you go you're aiming for perfectly al dente, not mushy!

Think of it like choosing between biscuits or scones for tea - both delicious, but different.

What if I don't have heavy cream? Can I still make this creamy garlic pasta?

No worries, mate! You can still make a delicious creamy garlic pasta without heavy cream. Half and-half or even whole milk will work in a pinch, but the sauce won't be quite as rich and decadent.

You could also try adding a tablespoon of butter or cream cheese for extra creaminess - it's all about making do like they do on "The Great British Bake Off"!

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking and burning in my One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta?

Sticking and burning is a right pain, isn't it? The key is to stir the pasta frequently, especially in the beginning when it's absorbing the liquid. Also, make sure you have enough liquid in the pot to begin with. If it seems dry, add a bit more water.

Using a heavy bottomed pot can also help distribute the heat more evenly. Give it a stir every couple of minutes as a rule of thumb!

Can I add protein or vegetables to this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta?

You bet your boots you can! Adding protein and veggies is a brilliant way to make this dish a complete meal. Cooked chicken, shrimp, sausage, or even chickpeas are great additions. As for vegetables, broccoli, peas, spinach, or mushrooms would all work wonderfully.

Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking so they don't get overcooked and mushy. It's like giving your pasta a proper upgrade!

How do I store leftovers, and how long will One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta last?

Leftovers are a gift that keeps on giving! Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as it can thicken up. Just give it a good stir and heat it through until it's piping hot.

It's almost as good as a Greggs sausage roll the next day!

Is there a way to make this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta healthier?

Absolutely, lets keep the dish tasty but reduce the guilt! Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber, and reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with a lighter option like half and-half. Load up on vegetables to add nutrients and bulk. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.

These small changes can make a big difference without sacrificing flavor!