One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (20-Minutes)

Introduction

Few dinner recipes offer the satisfying combination of creamy comfort and lightning-fast prep like this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta. Perfect for busy evenings or last-minute meals, this dish delivers rich garlicky flavor in just 20 minutes—all in a single pot for minimal cleanup. It’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser that unites pasta lovers and skeptics alike with its creamy sauce and bold, simple flavors.

The Irresistible Appeal of One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and the depth of flavor created with just a handful of everyday ingredients. The garlic is slowly sautéed to unleash its sweet, aromatic notes, which are then enveloped in a velvety cream sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. It’s the perfect harmony of comfort and elegance—and the fact that it all comes together in one pot means you too can enjoy gourmet results without the fuss.

Building Rich Flavor in Just One Pot

The secret to this pasta’s exceptional taste is sautéing the garlic until golden, then simmering the pasta directly in a mix of broth and cream. This method infuses the noodles with flavor and creates a luscious sauce that thickens as the pasta cooks. Stirring in freshly grated Parmesan at the end adds a savory, nutty finish.

Serving Suggestions for a Satisfying Meal

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta can be enjoyed in endless ways: serve it as a main with a crisp green salad, add sautéed spinach or peas for a pop of color, or top with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and cracked black pepper elevates both the appearance and taste, making any night feel like a special occasion.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings. Each portion contains approximately 450 calories, primarily from the pasta and creamy sauce. Add proteins or veggies as desired to round out its nutritional profile.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Recap)

Delivering restaurant-level creaminess and flavor in just 20 minutes, this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta solves the weeknight dinner dilemma with ease—a sure favorite for both hectic nights and relaxed gatherings.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and effortless meal planning!

Instructions

1. In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden (do not let it brown).
2. Break the pasta in half if needed to fit your pot. Add the uncooked pasta, broth, and heavy cream to the pot with the garlic. Stir so the pasta separates and is mostly submerged.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for about 12–15 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened. If the sauce thickens too soon, add a splash more broth or cream as needed.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, remove from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes, or lemon zest if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a stellar addition to your meal prep rotation. Save and schedule this recipe to streamline your weekly planning and generate unified shopping lists for all your meals.

Planning Benefits:

– Instantly calculates total ingredients needed across recipes
– Organizes lists by grocery store section to save you time
– Prevents duplicate purchases and ensures nothing is forgotten
– Makes prepping for the week smooth and stress-free

Pro tip: When scheduling this dish alongside others, let CookifyAI combine your ingredients. For instance, if using cream in this pasta and another meal this week, your list will automatically update so you only buy exactly what’s needed—no extra containers, no waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes