There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy pasta dish simmering gently on the stove after a long day. The aroma of garlic softening in warm butter, the quiet bubbling of broth and cream, and the promise of a rich, satisfying dinner—all in one pot—create a kind of weeknight magic that feels both effortless and indulgent.

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta was born out of those busy evenings when time feels short but the craving for something homemade and soul-soothing is strong. Inspired by classic Italian-style comfort cooking and simplified for modern kitchens, this recipe brings together simple pantry staples in a way that feels special enough for guests yet easy enough for any weekday. It’s creamy, garlicky, and deeply satisfying—without the stress of multiple pans or complicated steps.

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Why You’ll Love This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

There are countless pasta recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:

• Everything cooks in one pot, including the pasta itself.

• Minimal cleanup, which makes it perfect for weeknights.

• Bold garlic flavor balanced with rich cream and savory cheese.

• Customizable with vegetables or protein.

• Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

The magic happens because the pasta cooks directly in the broth and cream mixture. As it simmers, it releases starches that naturally thicken the sauce, creating a silky, restaurant-style texture without complicated techniques.

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The Secret to Perfect Creamy Garlic Pasta

1. Use Fresh Garlic

For this recipe, you’ll need 6 cloves of fresh garlic, minced. Fresh garlic provides a deep, aromatic flavor that powdered garlic simply can’t replicate. Cook it gently in butter to release its sweetness without letting it brown too much.

2. Let the Pasta Cook in the Sauce

Instead of boiling pasta separately, you’ll cook 12 ounces (340 grams) of uncooked fettuccine or linguine directly in the pot. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the broth and cream while thickening the sauce naturally.

3. Balance Cream with Broth

The combination of:

• 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth

• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream

creates a sauce that is rich but not overly heavy. The broth keeps it from becoming too dense, while the cream adds luxurious body.

4. Finish with Cheese Off the Heat

Adding 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the end ensures a smooth, creamy finish. Stir it in after turning off the heat to prevent clumping.

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Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine or linguine

• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth

• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) chopped fresh parsley

• Optional: 1 cup (150 grams) fresh spinach or 1 cup (120 grams) sautéed mushrooms

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil.

Add 6 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Do not let it brown; you want it soft and aromatic.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in:

• 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth

• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream

Stir in:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Add 12 ounces (340 grams) uncooked pasta, making sure it is mostly submerged in the liquid.

Step 3: Simmer and Stir

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.

Let the pasta simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. As the pasta cooks, the sauce will thicken.

If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is fully cooked, add 1/4 cup (60 ml) warm broth or water at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the pot from heat.

Stir in 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

If using spinach, stir in 1 cup (150 grams) fresh spinach and allow it to wilt from the residual heat.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons (8 grams) chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

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Customization Ideas

One of the best parts of this creamy garlic pasta is how adaptable it is.

Add Protein

• Grilled chicken breast (1 pound / 450 grams, sliced)

• Sautéed shrimp (1 pound / 450 grams)

• Crispy tofu cubes (12 ounces / 340 grams)

Add Vegetables

• 1 cup (120 grams) sautéed mushrooms

• 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup (90 grams) steamed broccoli florets

Make It Lighter

Replace 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the heavy cream with additional vegetable broth for a lighter sauce.

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Tips for Success

• Use a wide, deep skillet so pasta cooks evenly.

• Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

• Taste and adjust salt at the end, especially if your cheese is salty.

• Always grate Parmesan fresh for the smoothest sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use a variety of pasta shapes in this one pot creamy garlic pasta recipe. Long pasta such as spaghetti or linguine works beautifully because it cooks evenly in the liquid and absorbs the creamy sauce. Short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli also works well, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Shorter shapes sometimes require a minute or two less simmering.

If using whole wheat pasta, keep in mind that it may require additional liquid and a longer cooking time. Add 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra broth if needed and stir frequently to prevent sticking. Gluten-free pasta can also be used, though it tends to release starch differently. Monitor closely and reduce cooking time slightly to prevent over-softening.

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2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover creamy garlic pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because this is a cream-based sauce, it will thicken as it cools.

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat and add 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) of milk, broth, or water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, and adding a splash of liquid as needed. While freezing is possible, cream-based sauces may change texture slightly upon thawing, so fresh is always best.

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3. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe to be dairy-free with a few substitutions. Replace the 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Substitute the 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened dairy-free cooking cream.

For the cheese, use a dairy-free Parmesan-style alternative or add 2–3 tablespoons (10–15 grams) nutritional yeast for a savory, cheesy flavor. The texture may differ slightly from the traditional version, but the garlic-forward creaminess will still shine.

Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning, as dairy-free substitutions sometimes require a bit more salt to enhance flavor.

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4. Why is my sauce too thick or too thin?

If your sauce is too thick, it likely simmered longer than necessary or the pasta absorbed more liquid than expected. Simply add 1/4 cup (60 ml) warm broth or water at a time, stirring until you reach the desired consistency.

If your sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. The starch released from the pasta will naturally thicken the sauce. You can also add an extra 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese to help tighten the texture.

Consistency can vary depending on pasta shape, heat level, and cookware, so small adjustments are completely normal.

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Serving Suggestions

This creamy garlic pasta is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it thoughtfully can elevate your meal:

• Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.

• Add warm garlic bread on the side.

• Pair with roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini.

• Top with extra cracked black pepper and shaved Parmesan.

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Final Thoughts

There’s something powerful about a recipe that delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity all at once. This Irresistible One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta captures everything we crave in a weeknight dinner: ease, warmth, and indulgence without complication. It proves that you don’t need elaborate techniques or hard-to-find ingredients to create a dish that feels special.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance. The garlic is bold yet mellowed by cream. The Parmesan adds savory depth without overwhelming the dish. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, creating a silky texture that feels luxurious but comes together effortlessly. And because everything happens in one pot, cleanup is refreshingly simple.

It’s also a recipe that grows with you. Add vegetables for freshness, protein for heartiness, or adjust the cream level for a lighter version. It adapts to your pantry, your schedule, and your preferences while still delivering consistent results.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself after a long day, this pasta has a way of turning ordinary evenings into something memorable. Once you try it, it’s likely to become part of your regular dinner rotation—a reliable favorite that never disappoints.

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