Go Back
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Discover the ultimate One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, a ridiculously easy and incredibly satisfying weeknight dinner hero. This recipe is your shortcut to a restaurant-worthy meal without the fuss, proving that deliciousness doesn't have to be complicated.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Minutes 30 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound pasta linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; you’re just looking to soften it and release its aroma.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 4 cloves garlic
  2. Add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot with the garlic and oil. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
    1 pound pasta, 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook according to the pasta package directions, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed (this typically takes about 10-12 minutes).
    1 pound pasta
  4. Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid has reduced, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy, and the cheese has melted.
    1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  5. Season the pasta generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like a little kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
    to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, optional red pepper flakes
  6. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and more fresh parsley if desired.
    2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Notes

This recipe is ideal for busy nights and takes under 30 minutes to prepare. Cleanup is minimal as it's made in one pot.