One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a delicious and hassle-free meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Charity Bowen

Created by

Charity Bowen

Last updated on 2025-12-23T00:36:41.050Z

This dish combines the rich flavors of garlic and cream with pasta, making it a comforting favorite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Creamy and garlicky goodness in every bite
  • Convenient one-pot cooking for easy clean-up
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions

Perfect for Any Occasion

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is an incredibly versatile dish that fits seamlessly into various dining scenarios. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight family dinner or hosting a special gathering, this pasta recipe meets all the requirements. Its creamy texture and rich garlic flavor are sure to impress your guests, making it suitable for both casual and elegant occasions.

The simplicity of this recipe allows it to shine on its own or be paired with your favorite proteins and vegetables. Try adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or seasonal veggies like spinach and cherry tomatoes for a complete meal that caters to a variety of tastes.

Quick and Easy Cleanup

One of the standout features of this recipe is its one-pot cooking method. With everything cooked in a single pot, cleanup becomes a breeze, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle of washing multiple dishes. This makes it a fantastic option for busy individuals or families who want to reclaim their evenings after a long day.

Simply sauté the garlic, cook the pasta in the same pot, and mix in the creamy sauce—all in one go! This streamlined process not only saves time but also maximizes flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully.

Customize to Your Taste

The beauty of One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta lies in its adaptability. While the base recipe is already rich and flavorful, you can easily customize it to suit your palate. Consider experimenting with different types of pasta, such as penne or linguine, or use whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary preferences.

You can also enhance the dish with additional herbs and spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick, while fresh basil or thyme can introduce aromatic notes. Don't hesitate to get creative and make this recipe your own!

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before starting the recipe for a smooth cooking experience.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Make sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste before serving.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to achieve the best results.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the fettuccine and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.

Make it Creamy

Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce is creamy and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious one-pot creamy garlic pasta!

This dish is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Storage Tips

Leftover One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to revive the creamy texture.

If you plan to make this dish ahead of time, consider cooking the pasta al dente, as it will continue to soften when reheated. This will help maintain the perfect texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta experience, consider serving it with a side salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta, while garlic bread adds a crunchy contrast that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

For an added touch of flavor, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or freshly cracked black pepper over the top before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the dish, enhancing the garlic and creamy notes.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, but cooking times may vary.

→ Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the garlic while sautéing.

→ Can I store leftovers?

Yes, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary.

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a delicious and hassle-free meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time30 minutes

Created by: Charity Bowen

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  2. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  3. 2 cups vegetable broth
  4. 1 cup heavy cream
  5. 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  6. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  7. Salt and pepper to taste
  8. Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the fettuccine and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.

Step 02

Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce is creamy and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 03

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious one-pot creamy garlic pasta!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 12g