![['Close-up view of creamy garlic pasta topped with freshly grated Parmesan and herbs.', 'Juicy One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta dish with a rich sauce and garlic cloves visible.', 'Side view of a bowl filled with creamy garlic pasta, glistening in natural light.', 'Delicious creamy pasta with garlic, salt, and pepper, garnished with green herbs.']](https://timetocooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/one-pot-creamy-garlic-pasta_1_U1-1-300x300.webp)
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Just 20 Minutes!)
This quick and easy one-pot pasta recipe combines garlic, Parmesan, and creamy milk for a delicious meal in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
Cooking fat
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
Garlic
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Liquid
- 2 cups milk (whole preferred, or use any you have)
- 1 cup water (or as needed to just cover the pasta)
Cheese
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional extras
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream (for extra creaminess)
Garnish
- as needed chopped parsley or basil
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add water and milk to the pot, then bring to a boil. Stir in pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Optional: add cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta evenly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
Use any type of pasta you prefer. For a creamier texture, add more cheese or cream cheese.