One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

Cooking is a wonderful way to bring people together. One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a delicious meal that many people love. It is simple to make, and you can prepare it in just one pot. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something cozy for dinner. The creamy sauce combines with garlic and cheese for a rich flavor that is sure to please everyone at your table. Let’s dive into why you should make this fantastic dish and how you can create it at home.

Why Make This Recipe

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta stands out for many reasons. First, it saves time. Since you cook everything in one pot, you have fewer dishes to wash afterward. Less time spent cleaning means more time enjoying your meal with family and friends.

Second, this dish is easy to customize. You can add vegetables, such as spinach or broccoli, or switch out the pasta for your favorite type. If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to try various options! It can easily fit into your taste preferences.

Third, this recipe uses simple ingredients that you might already have at home. Pasta, garlic, olive oil, milk, and Parmesan cheese are all accessible and affordable. You won’t need to hunt down specialty items, making this creamy pasta both practical and delicious.

Lastly, One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is filling and satisfying. The creamy sauce and hearty pasta will keep you full and happy. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual dinner to a special gathering.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Now that you know why this recipe is great, let’s look at how to make it. Grab your ingredients and get ready to cook!

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. This may take a minute, so be patient, and do not let it burn.

2. Sauté the Garlic: Next, add the 4 cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Stir it around for about 30 seconds or until the garlic starts to smell fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown too much, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.

3. Add the Pasta: Toss in the 8 oz of pasta into the pot. Stir the pasta with the garlic and olive oil for about a minute so the pasta absorbs the garlic flavor.

4. Pour in the Milk: Now, pour in 2 cups of milk. Stir everything together, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow the pasta to cook according to the package instructions. Make sure to stir occasionally, ensuring the pasta does not stick to the bottom of the pot.

5. Add the Cheese: After the pasta has reached al dente, reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

6. Season and Serve: Taste your pasta and add salt and pepper to your liking. Once seasoned, serve your pasta hot straight from the pot. If you like, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a lovely touch.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Serving One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is easy and enjoyable. Since this dish is creamy and comforting, it’s perfect on its own. You can serve it in deep bowls for a cozy family dinner. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal.

If you want to impress guests, consider putting the pasta in a beautiful serving dish. Add extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for a delicious finish. You can also include a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

How to Store One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

It’s always great to have leftovers! To store your One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, follow these simple steps:

1. Cool Down: Let the pasta cool to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.

2. Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled pasta into an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and prevents it from drying out.

3. Refrigerate: Store your container in the refrigerator. The pasta will stay good for about 3-4 days.

When you want to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. If the sauce seems thick, add a little bit of milk to loosen it up.

Tips to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta turns out perfectly:

• Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta shapes, like penne or fusilli, work best for this recipe. They hold the sauce nicely.

• Don’t Rush the Garlic: Sautéing the garlic slowly helps to release the amazing flavor. Too much heat can burn it and ruin the taste.

• Stir Frequently: Stirring the pasta while it cooks prevents it from sticking to the pot. It also helps the pasta absorb the creamy sauce better.

• Adjust Consistency: If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired creaminess.

• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dish before serving. You can add more cheese, salt, or pepper according to your liking.

Variations

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is versatile. You can easily change it up to suit your mood or dietary needs:

• Add Vegetables: Stir in some spinach, peas, or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.

• Switch Up the Cheese: If you want a different flavor, try using mozzarella, feta, or even goat cheese.

• Protein Addition: Include cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal. You can add these at the end when you stir in the cheese for extra flavor.

• Spicy Version: If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the dish.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole grain pasta will work well in this recipe. Just make sure to check the cooking time on the package, as whole grain pasta can take a bit longer to cook.

Q2: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Q3: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian! Just make sure you use vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth if you decide to add any liquid.

In conclusion, One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a practical meal that many will enjoy. Its ease of preparation and fantastic taste make it a perfect addition to your recipe collection. Try making it, and you won’t be disappointed!

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

A delicious and easy meal, One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta combines garlic, cheese, and cream in a single pot for a satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work best.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the garlic.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced Sauté slowly for better flavor.
• 2 cups milk Can substitute with almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Alternatively, use mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese.
• Salt and pepper to taste Adjust according to your preference.
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Adds a fresh touch when serving.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
3. Add the pasta and stir for about a minute to coat it in the garlic and oil.
4. Pour in 2 cups of milk, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking according to pasta package instructions.
5. Once al dente, reduce heat to low and slowly stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

To store leftovers, cool to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk if the sauce thickens.