One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is here to save your night! Made with simple ingredients, a bold garlic flavor, and a silky smooth sauce, this comforting dish comes together in just 20 minutes and uses only one pot, yes, really! Whether you’re cooking for your family, a partner, or just yourself, this is the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to again and again. This creamy garlic pasta hits all the right notes. It’s affordable, satisfying, and foolproof, even if you’re short on time or cooking confidence. Plus, it’s the perfect pantry-friendly recipe that you can throw together at the last minute.

Variations and Add-Ins to Try, This creamy garlic pasta is a blank canvas—try these upgrades:
Protein Options:
– Grilled or rotisserie chicken
– Cooked shrimp or salmon
– Crispy bacon or pancetta
– Plant-based sausage or tofu

Veggie Add-Ins:
– Baby spinach or kale
– Mushrooms
– Frozen peas
– Sun-dried tomatoes

Cheese Swaps:
– Pecorino Romano
– Cream cheese
– Gouda or Fontina for meltiness

For Spice Lovers:
– Red pepper flakes
– Cajun or blackened seasoning

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Pasta, Balance the richness of the pasta with something light and fresh:
– Simple green salad with balsamic or lemon vinaigrette
– Garlic bread or crusty sourdough
– Roasted or steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
– A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon

Ingredients:
8 oz pasta spaghetti, linguine, or penne
1 Tbsp butter, or olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups milk whole preferred, or use any you have
1 cup water, or as needed, to just cover the pasta
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp salt, or to taste
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Optional: 2 Tbsp cream cheese, or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
Optional: Garnish with chopped, fresh parsley, or fresh basil leaves

Instructions:
Sauté Garlic: In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter (or heat the olive oil) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Add Pasta & Liquid: Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and enough water to just barely cover the pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
Cook the Pasta: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes or until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce.
Stir in Cheese & Seasoning: Add Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. For an extra creamy sauce, stir in cream cheese or sour cream.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot.

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