One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
A simple and comforting one-pot creamy garlic pasta that comes together in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, fusilli) Shorter shapes hold sauce well.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 2 cups milk Whole milk gives the creamiest result.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Freshly grated melts best.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just starting to color, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the pasta and then add the milk so the pasta is covered by about 1/2 inch of liquid. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cooking
- Reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring every 1-2 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For a richer finish, swap half the milk for half-and-half. For dairy-free, use unsweetened oat or soy milk and a vegan Parmesan option. Cool leftovers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm gently.