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Are you looking for a quick and tasty meal? This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is your answer! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a rich and flavorful dish in no time. I’ll guide you through every step, so even if you’re a beginner, you can impress everyone at the dinner table. Let’s dive into this easy, delicious recipe that will become a weeknight favorite!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Creamy Delight: This pasta dish offers a rich and creamy texture that is incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect comfort food.
- Quick and Easy: With only one pot required, this recipe simplifies dinner preparation, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal cleanup.
- Garlic Lovers Unite: The fragrant garlic elevates the dish, providing a delicious aroma and flavor that is simply irresistible.
- Customizable: This recipe is versatile; you can easily add vegetables, proteins, or different seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
To make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, you will need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 300g pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
These ingredients create a rich and creamy dish that is simple yet full of flavor. The garlic adds a wonderful aroma, while the Parmesan cheese makes it extra comforting. This pasta is a great way to enjoy a tasty meal without a lot of fuss. Don’t forget the fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness! If you want to brighten the dish even more, add a bit of lemon zest. It really makes a difference.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking Instructions
1. First, grab a large pot or deep skillet.
2. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add four minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about one minute.
4. Make sure the garlic does not brown. It should smell great!
5. Now, pour in two cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a simmer.
6. Next, add 300 grams of pasta. I like fettuccine or linguine.
7. Stir to make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth.
8. Cover the pot and cook the pasta for about 10 to 12 minutes.
9. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the pot.
Adding Cream and Seasoning
1. When the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low.
2. Pour in one cup of heavy cream and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
3. Stir everything together until it mixes well.
4. Gradually add half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce.
Finalizing the Dish
1. Taste the pasta. Add salt and pepper if needed.
2. You can also add lemon zest for extra brightness.
3. Let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes. This will thicken the sauce.
4. For serving, place the pasta in bowls.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese on top.
6. A slice of lemon on the side makes it look nice!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
How to avoid overcooking the garlic
To keep garlic from burning, watch it closely. Sauté it for just one minute. You want it fragrant, not brown. If it burns, it will taste bitter.
Ensuring pasta cooks evenly
Stir the pasta a few times while it cooks. This helps keep it from sticking together. Make sure all the pasta is submerged in the broth. This way, it cooks evenly.
Creaminess Enhancement
Using the right cheese for creaminess
For a rich and creamy texture, use fresh grated Parmesan cheese. It melts well and adds flavor. Avoid pre-grated cheese as it may not melt the same way.
Adjusting cream for desired thickness
If you want a thicker sauce, add a bit more cream. For a lighter dish, use less. You can also simmer the sauce longer to thicken it up naturally.
Serving Suggestions
Ideal toppings and garnishes
Top your pasta with fresh parsley for color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan adds richness. For a bright touch, add lemon zest.
Recommended side dishes to complement
Pair this pasta with a simple green salad. Garlic bread on the side works great too. A light white wine can bring out the flavors nicely.
Pro Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking the pasta just until al dente will ensure it retains a slight bite and does not become mushy when mixed with the creamy sauce.
- Use High-Quality Parmesan: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your sauce.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with additional vegetable broth or a splash of pasta cooking water.
- Add Vegetables: For added nutrition and flavor, consider tossing in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes into the pasta just before serving.

Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch up your pasta type for this recipe. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber. Gluten-free pasta works well too. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time. For broth, if you prefer meat flavors, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. This small change will add a deeper taste.
Flavor Enhancements
To make this dish heartier, add cooked proteins. Grilled chicken or shrimp gives it a nice twist. Simply toss them in when you mix in the cream. Want some heat? Sprinkle in red pepper flakes. This will give your pasta a spicy kick.
Vegetarian/Vegan Options
If you’re looking for a plant-based meal, you can make this dish vegan-friendly. Use plant-based cream and cheese instead of heavy cream and Parmesan. This swap keeps the creaminess but makes it suitable for vegans.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta fresh, refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. Use an airtight container to prevent drying out. This helps keep the flavors and textures intact. For best results, store the pasta in single-serving portions. This way, you can easily warm up just what you need.
Reheating Instructions
When you are ready to eat, reheat the pasta safely. The best methods are using the stove or the microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of broth or cream to help maintain creaminess. Heat it slowly over low heat, stirring often. If using the microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a bit of cream or broth, cover it with a lid or paper towel, and heat in short bursts. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating.
Freezing Guidelines
You can freeze One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, but it may change the texture. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat gently as mentioned above to restore its creaminess. If it looks a bit dry after thawing, add a splash of cream or broth while reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta fully and mix in the sauce. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stove. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. For dairy-free choices, try coconut milk or cashew cream. These options still add creaminess without heavy cream.
How can I make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many types are available, like brown rice or chickpea pasta. Just ensure the broth is also gluten-free to keep the meal safe.
How do I make the dish spicier?
To add some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes while cooking. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Start with a little and taste, so you get the spice just right!
In this blog post, we explored a delicious recipe for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for the best results. I shared variations to suit different diets, including vegetarian and vegan options. Storing and reheating guidelines ensure you enjoy leftovers without losing flavor.
Cooking can be simple and fun! This dish makes for a great weeknight meal. Enjoy your cooking adventur
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
A delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish with creamy garlic sauce.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal
- 300 g pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 zest of lemon (optional, for brightness)
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it brown.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
Add the pasta to the pot, and stir to ensure it's fully submerged in the liquid.
Cover and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning.
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring, allowing it to melt and create a creamy sauce.
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest to taste, stirring until everything is well combined and creamy.
Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
Serve garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Keyword creamy, garlic, one-pot, pasta
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