If there’s one recipe I come back to when life feels too busy for a full dinner production, it’s this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta. It’s warm, quick, and needs almost no cleanup — just one pan, a few pantry staples, and 25 minutes.
This dish reminds me of my early days after culinary school, living in a small apartment with barely enough counter space for a cutting board. I learned how to make the most of what I had — one skillet, a handful of ingredients, and a craving for something creamy and comforting after long days.
Whether you’re a college student, a busy parent, or just looking for a cozy dinner that doesn’t require a pile of dishes, this pasta has you covered. It’s perfect for easy college dinner ideas, pantry pasta recipes, or when you need a weeknight dinner idea that’s kid-friendly.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
- One pot = no stress: Everything cooks in the same pan.
- Ready in 25 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights or quick college dinners.
- Family-friendly: Creamy and mild with rich garlic flavor — even picky eaters love it.
- Budget-friendly: Made with simple pantry staples.
- Versatile: Add veggies, chicken, or shrimp for a complete meal.
- Easy cleanup: The dream of every home cook and apartment dweller.
If you love comforting, easy good dinners that still feel a little special, this one’s for you.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk (any kind works)
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine (broken in half)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream or extra milk (optional for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté garlic:
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. - Add liquid and pasta:
Pour in broth and milk, then stir in pasta, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil. - Simmer:
Reduce heat and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid has reduced into a sauce. - Add cheese:
Stir in Parmesan and, if using, a splash of cream. Toss until silky and thick. - Serve:
Garnish with parsley and a little extra Parmesan.
That’s it — a creamy garlic parmesan pasta that’s ready before you’ve finished setting the table.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
I love serving this pasta straight from the pot. It’s casual, warm, and feels like a family hug at the end of a long day.
For a dinner for a family of 5, double the recipe and add cooked chicken or vegetables like broccoli or peas.
It pairs beautifully with Chinese Beef and Broccoli for a comforting East-meets-West meal, or Crockpot French Onion Meatballs for an easy, hearty side dish.
For college students or apartment living, serve it as is — creamy, filling, and simple. It’s one of those easy apartment meals that makes a small kitchen feel like home.
If you’re hosting friends, sprinkle fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil over the top for a restaurant-style finish.
How to Store One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
This pasta reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Not ideal — dairy can separate — but leftovers can be frozen in a pinch for up to 1 month.
It’s great for dinner ideas for leftovers — turn it into a baked pasta by mixing in a handful of shredded mozzarella and baking until bubbly.
For another easy meal idea, try Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken — a lifesaver when you want something flavorful but fuss-free.
Tips to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Stir often: Prevents noodles from sticking.
- Use good Parmesan: It’s the secret to deep flavor.
- Adjust liquid: If it looks dry, add ¼ cup milk or broth at a time.
- Customize: Add cooked bacon, spinach, or shrimp for an easy upgrade.
- Keep it simple: Don’t overthink it — this dish shines because of its simplicity.
- Make it dairy-free: Use oat milk and vegan Parmesan for a lighter twist.
This recipe is the definition of easy weekday dinner ideas — simple, affordable, and comforting.
Variations of One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta: Add cooked chicken pieces or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Toss in sautéed shrimp at the end for elegance.
- Spinach Parmesan Pasta: Stir in fresh spinach just before serving for color and nutrients.
- Garlic Mushroom Pasta: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding pasta for extra umami.
- Pantry Pasta Recipe: Replace broth with water and stir in canned tuna or peas — easy and cheap!
Each variation turns this one-pot wonder into something new without needing more dishes or time.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, just check the cooking time and stir more frequently to avoid sticking.
Q2: What milk works best?
Whole milk makes it creamy, but almond or oat milk works great too.
Q3: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — just make sure your pot is large enough!
Q4: How do I make it lighter?
Skip the cream and use extra broth; it’s still rich and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the kind of meal that makes weeknights easier — and cozier. It’s proof that comfort doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.
It’s a meal that brings everyone to the table — from college students cooking in dorm kitchens to busy parents feeding a family of five.
All you need is one pot, a few pantry ingredients, and the simple joy of garlic butter and cheese melting together. Dinner doesn’t get easier — or more satisfying — than this.
Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.
Print
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy, creamy garlic pasta made in one pot with pantry ingredients—quick, easy, and family-friendly for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup cream (optional)
- 2 tbsp parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Melt butter in pot and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Add broth, milk, pasta, salt, and pepper; bring to boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.
4. Stir in Parmesan and cream until creamy.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Use good Parmesan for best flavor.
Add chicken or veggies for a fuller meal.
Stir often to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 35mg