One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Indulge in a rich and creamy pasta dish that's easy to make and packed with flavor. This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick weeknight meal.

Amelia Roberts

Created by

Amelia Roberts

Last updated on 2025-12-23T06:33:35.579Z

This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of garlic and cream in a simple recipe that requires minimal cleanup.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich garlic flavor that elevates your meal
  • Creamy texture that envelops every strand of pasta
  • Quick and easy preparation for busy weeknights

The Perfect Weeknight Dinner

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious meal without the fuss. This dish comes together in just one pot, meaning less time spent on cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. The combination of rich flavors and creamy textures transforms a simple pasta dish into a comforting culinary experience that the whole family will love.

This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also adaptable. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, proteins, or even spices. Whether you prefer sautéed spinach, grilled chicken, or roasted red peppers, this creamy garlic pasta serves as a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

Why Garlic is Good for You

Garlic is more than just a flavor enhancer; it's also packed with health benefits. Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic can help ward off colds and infections. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties contribute to overall heart health, making it a wise addition to your diet.

In this One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, the garlic not only elevates the dish with its aromatic essence but also contributes to its nutritional value. By using fresh garlic cloves, you ensure that you get all the health benefits while enjoying each delightful bite of the creamy pasta.

Tips for Perfect Pasta

Cooking pasta perfectly is essential for achieving the best texture in your One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta. Always use a large pot with plenty of water and salt to ensure even cooking. The water should be at a rolling boil before adding the pasta, and it’s crucial to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

For a creamier sauce, consider reserving a cup of pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can be added back to the sauce to achieve your desired consistency. Remember, the secret to a restaurant-quality pasta dish often lies in the details, so don’t rush this step!

Ingredients

Pasta Ingredients

  • 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Gather all your ingredients to make the cooking process smooth and easy!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the fettuccine or spaghetti, ensuring it's submerged. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Add Cream and Season

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine.

Serve

Remove from heat and serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Enjoy your creamy garlic pasta with a side salad or some crusty bread!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta experience, consider pairing it with a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the pasta, creating a harmonious meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

For an added touch, serve the pasta with a side of crusty garlic bread. This combination not only enhances the garlic flavor but also offers a delightful crunch that complements the creamy pasta.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store your One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to restore its creamy texture, as pasta tends to absorb moisture while sitting.

To reheat, you can use the microwave or a stovetop. If using the stovetop, heat gently over low heat while stirring to ensure even warming and prevent the pasta from becoming dry.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat pasta for a healthier option, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make great additions to this pasta.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Indulge in a rich and creamy pasta dish that's easy to make and packed with flavor. This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick weeknight meal.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Amelia Roberts

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Pasta Ingredients

  1. 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
  2. 4 cups vegetable broth
  3. 1 cup heavy cream
  4. 6 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  8. Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the fettuccine or spaghetti, ensuring it's submerged. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Step 02

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine.

Step 03

Remove from heat and serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 6g