20-Minute One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the perfect quick dinner for busy nights — rich, silky, and bursting with garlicky flavor, all ready in just 20 minutes. The pasta cooks directly in milk and water, creating a naturally creamy sauce without extra steps. It’s budget-friendly, comforting, and guaranteed to become your new go-to weeknight meal.
Equipment
- Large pot or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Garlic press or knife
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 Tbsp butter or olive oil
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 cup water (or enough to barely cover the pasta)
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp cream cheese or sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter (or heat olive oil) over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Do not let it brown or burn.
- Add the dry pasta, milk, and water. The liquid should just barely cover the pasta. Stir once, then bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened naturally.
- Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until melted and creamy. For a thicker sauce, stir in the optional cream cheese or sour cream.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs. Enjoy hot and creamy straight from the pot!