You know those nights when you’re staring into the fridge, willing dinner to magically appear? That’s exactly how my one pot creamy garlic pasta was born – out of desperation, a handful of pantry staples, and my undying love for garlic. This recipe has saved more weeknights than I can count, turning basic ingredients into something ridiculously creamy and flavorful with just one pot (hello, easy cleanup!).
What makes this dish special isn’t just its simplicity – though trust me, you’ll worship the single-pot method after trying it. It’s how the garlic melts into the sauce, how the Parmesan creates this luxurious texture, and how the red pepper flakes give it just enough kick to keep things interesting. My kids call it “restaurant pasta,” and honestly? I don’t correct them.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Let me count the ways this recipe will become your new weeknight hero:
- One pot magic – No juggling multiple pans or a mountain of dishes. Everything cooks together in one beautiful, garlicky mess.
- Ready in 25 minutes flat – Faster than takeout, but tastes like you actually tried (we won’t tell).
- Creamy dreamy texture – That silky Parmesan sauce coats every noodle perfectly, no clumps or dry spots.
- Garlic lover’s paradise – Six cloves might sound crazy, but trust me, it’s just right (and yes, you can add more).
- Heat level up to you – A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it life, but leave ’em out if you’re not into spice.
Seriously, this pasta checks all the boxes – easy, fast, and stupidly delicious. What’s not to love?
Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Here’s everything you’ll need to make magic happen in one pot (and yes, I’ve learned the hard way – fresh is best where it counts!):
- 12 oz penne pasta – The ridges hold onto that creamy sauce like nobody’s business
- 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil – The dynamic duo for sautéing (butter for flavor, oil to prevent burning)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced – Measure with your heart, but this is the perfect garlicky baseline
- 2 cups chicken broth – Or veggie broth if you’re keeping it vegetarian
- 1 cup heavy cream – The secret to that luxurious texture (no skimping!)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-grated won’t melt as smoothly – trust me on this
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – My little flavor booster
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes – Just enough to make things interesting
- Salt & black pepper – To taste, but be generous!
- Fresh parsley – For that pretty green finish
Pro tip: Have everything prepped and ready before you start – this recipe moves fast once the garlic hits the pan!
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together so fast you’ll want everything prepped and ready before you start. I’ve burned my fair share of garlic in a rush – learn from my mistakes!
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Grab your favorite deep skillet or pot (I use my trusty Dutch oven) and melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. The oil keeps the butter from burning – smart, right? Toss in your minced garlic and stir constantly for just 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and golden. Don’t walk away! Burnt garlic is the saddest kitchen smell.
Step 2: Simmer the Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream – it’ll sizzle beautifully. Bring it to a gentle boil, then add the dry penne, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every couple minutes. The pasta will drink up that flavorful liquid while the sauce thickens around it. Magic!
Step 3: Finish with Cheese
When the pasta’s al dente and the sauce coats the back of a spoon, take it off the heat. Stir in that glorious Parmesan until it melts into silky perfection. Taste and adjust salt/pepper – I always add an extra pinch of each. The sauce will thicken more as it sits, so don’t panic if it seems a bit loose at first.
Tips for Perfect One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
After making this recipe more times than I can count (and yes, learning from plenty of mistakes), here are my foolproof tips for pasta perfection:
- Freshly grate your Parmesan – The pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that make your sauce grainy. A block and microplane take 2 extra minutes but make ALL the difference.
- Stir like it’s your job – Especially in the last few minutes, frequent stirring prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Reserve a cup of pasta water – If your sauce thickens too much, splash in some starchy cooking liquid to bring it back to life.
- Taste as you go – Garlic and salt levels can vary, so adjust seasoning halfway through simmering.
- Let it rest – The sauce thickens beautifully if you let the pasta sit for 5 minutes off heat before serving.
Oh, and if you’re like me and always accidentally over-spice? Keep extra cream handy to tame the heat!
Variations for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
This recipe is like your favorite little black dress – perfect as-is, but so easy to dress up! Here are my favorite ways to switch it up:
- Protein boost – Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta right before serving
- Veggie lovers – Stir in fresh spinach, roasted mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes with the pasta
- Herb garden – Swap parsley for fresh basil or thyme for a different aromatic twist
- Cheese please – Try pecorino romano instead of Parmesan, or add creamy goat cheese at the end
The beauty? You can make it different every time without messing with that perfect garlicky cream base. Last week I added artichoke hearts and called it fancy – no one suspected it took 25 minutes!
Serving Suggestions for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
This pasta shines bright all on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy (or just extra hungry), here’s how I love to serve it:
- Garlic bread soldiers – Because you can never have too much garlic, right? Perfect for swiping up every last drop of sauce.
- Simple green salad – The crisp freshness balances that rich creaminess beautifully.
- Roasted asparagus – Tossed with olive oil and lemon, it adds a bright, crunchy contrast.
My family’s favorite? A big bowl of pasta with extra Parmesan and a side of “stop talking and let me eat” silence.
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the beautiful thing about this pasta – it actually gets better as leftovers (if it lasts that long in your fridge!). Store it in an airtight container for 3-4 days, though mine never makes it past day two. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream and stir gently over low heat to bring back that luscious creaminess. Microwave works in a pinch too – just cover with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Pro tip: The garlic flavor intensifies overnight, so next-day leftovers might just be the best version!
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta FAQs
I’ve gotten so many questions about this recipe over the years – here are the ones that pop up most often (along with my hard-earned answers!):
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Technically yes, but you’ll sacrifice that luxurious texture. The cream reduces into this velvety sauce that milk just can’t match. If you must substitute, try half-and-half and add an extra tablespoon of butter.
How do I prevent clumping?
Stir, stir, stir! Especially in the last few minutes of cooking. And make sure your Parmesan is freshly grated – pre-shredded cheese tends to clump rather than melt smoothly.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! The flavors actually deepen overnight. Just store it airtight in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Easy fix! Reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. A few tablespoons stirred in will bring your sauce back to perfect creaminess.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Of course! Penne works great, but rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine would be delicious. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on the package directions.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up – these nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients or brands you use. (But let’s be real, you’re here for the creamy garlic goodness, not the calorie count!)
Share Your One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
I’d love to see your pasta masterpieces! Tag me on Pinterest or leave a comment below – tell me how you made it your own or if your family devoured it as fast as mine always does. Happy cooking, friends!
Print
25-Minute One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta – Irresistibly Easy!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy one-pot creamy garlic pasta recipe with rich flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of spice.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle boil.
- Add penne pasta, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens (about 12–15 minutes).
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for more or less heat.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg