One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a luscious and comforting dish that combines al dente pasta with a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is quick to prepare and requires minimal cleanup.

Madeline Archer

Created by

Madeline Archer

Last updated on 2025-12-23T03:09:35.448Z

This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is not just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl. The combination of garlic, cream, and Parmesan creates an unforgettable flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy texture that envelops every bite
  • Rich garlic flavor that elevates the dish
  • Minimal cleanup with just one pot required

A Comforting Meal for Any Occasion

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the quintessential comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dining table. Whether you're hosting a cozy dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dish is perfect for all occasions. Its creamy texture and rich garlic flavor make it a hit among family and friends, and it's sure to become a staple in your weeknight rotation.

What makes this pasta dish even more appealing is the ease of preparation. With just one pot required, you can whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen or accumulating a mountain of dirty dishes. It's a great option for those busy weeks when time is of the essence but you still want to enjoy a homemade meal.

Versatile and Customizable

One of the best aspects of One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Consider adding your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes, to enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile. For a protein boost, grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed tofu can be great additions.

Moreover, this dish can be easily adjusted for different dietary restrictions. If you're looking for a lighter version, you might substitute heavy cream with a plant-based alternative or use half-and-half for a slightly reduced richness. The possibilities are endless, making it a dish you can enjoy repeatedly without growing tired of it.

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you're a fan of meal prepping, this recipe is a fantastic choice. One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta can be made in larger batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back its creamy consistency. This makes it an ideal dish for busy weekdays when you need a quick and satisfying meal ready to go.

Additionally, the flavors of this pasta dish tend to deepen and improve after sitting for a day, making it even more delicious when reheated. It's a fantastic way to ensure you have a homemade meal at your fingertips, without the need to cook every single day.

Ingredients

Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Gather all your ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the fettuccine pasta and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the pasta is cooked al dente.

Make it Creamy

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve

Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your delicious One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta!

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. If freezing, consider portioning it into individual servings for convenient reheating. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

When reheating, add a little extra vegetable broth or cream to restore the dish's creamy texture. Stir well to ensure even heating, and be careful not to overcook it, as this can lead to a less desirable texture. With these tips, you'll be able to enjoy your delicious pasta dish multiple times without any hassle.

Pairing Suggestions

To complement the rich flavors of One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, consider serving it with a simple side salad. A light arugula salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. You might also want to include a crusty loaf of garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce, elevating the meal to another level of indulgence.

For wine pairings, a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay works wonderfully to balance the dish's richness. If you prefer red, a light-bodied option like Pinot Noir can also be delightful. These pairings will enhance your dining experience, making your meal feel even more special.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with any pasta you prefer, but cooking times may vary.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Use plant-based cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this pasta?

It's best to consume this dish fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a month. Reheat in a saucepan with a splash of water.

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a luscious and comforting dish that combines al dente pasta with a rich, creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is quick to prepare and requires minimal cleanup.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Madeline Archer

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

  1. 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  2. 4 cups vegetable broth
  3. 1 cup heavy cream
  4. 6 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  6. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  7. 1 teaspoon salt
  8. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  9. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the fettuccine pasta and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the pasta is cooked al dente.

Step 02

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 03

Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 12g