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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

A quick and comforting one pot pasta dish featuring garlic, cheese, and creamy goodness, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Ingredients
  • 8 oz dried pasta good quality spaghetti or penne, any shape works well
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced fresh garlic = bigger flavor
  • 2 cups milk whole or 2% for richer creaminess
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated grate fresh for best melt
  • 1 tsp salt taste as you go
  • 1 tsp pepper freshly ground for brightness
  • 2 tbsp olive oil a mild, extra-virgin version is lovely
  • optional parsley fresh herb brightens the dish

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain but reserve a splash of pasta water.
Making the Sauce
  1. Return the empty pot to medium heat and warm the olive oil; add the minced garlic. Listen for a soft sizzle and smell the garlic blooming—about 30–45 seconds.
  2. Pour in the milk and stir, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Watch for tiny bubbles at the edges.
  3. Add the cooked pasta back into the pot and toss so each strand gets coated.
  4. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and stir constantly; the cheese will melt and the sauce will thicken into a silky cloak. Use a little reserved pasta water if it seems tight.
  5. Season with salt and plenty of black pepper to taste; finish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use pre-minced garlic if you're rushed; add it a touch earlier to cook out any jar tang. Overheating the milk can separate the sauce; fix it by lowering the heat and stirring in a splash of pasta water. For variations, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap parsley for basil.