One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Name: One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Home Cooking

I absolutely love this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta! It's been my go-to meal during busy weeknights when I crave something comforting yet easy to prepare. The creamy sauce, rich with garlic flavor, comes together perfectly in just one pot. I enjoy how the pasta absorbs the sauce while cooking, elevating its taste. For a personal touch, I like to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated cheese right before serving. You'll find this dish becomes a favorite in no time.

Created by

Leo

Last updated on 2026-02-16T15:46:18.909Z

One chilly evening, I decided to experiment with my usual pasta recipe and ended up creating this creamy garlic masterpiece. I was amazed at how simple ingredients like garlic, cream, and cheese could come together to create such a comforting dish. The trick was to sauté the garlic just right, which infuses the oil and ensures the pasta absorbs all the flavorful goodness.

I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it came together, making it perfect for nights when I'm low on time but still want something delicious. Make sure to adjust the garlic to your taste; I often find that a little extra can really elevate the dish. Enjoy!

        Why You’ll Love This Recipe
        Creamy garlic sauce that clings to every noodle
One pot means easy cleanup and less hassle
Customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins

      

Mastering the Garlic Flavor

Garlic is the star of this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, and the way you prepare it can greatly affect the dish's flavor profile. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it releases its oils and fragrance more effectively. Sauté it on medium heat, as cooking on too high a heat can lead to burnt garlic, which turns bitter. Aim for a golden color to maximize its sweet, aromatic notes—this usually takes about 2 minutes.

Another tip for enhancing garlic flavor is to allow it to cook just until fragrant before adding the pasta and broth. This technique promotes caramelization, giving the sauce a deeper taste. If you're a garlic lover like me, consider adding a touch of garlic powder or even roasted garlic for a more intense flavor; just be cautious with the amounts to avoid overpowering the dish.

Choosing the Right Pasta and Liquids

While penne is a great choice due to its tubular shape that holds sauce beautifully, other short pasta types like fusilli or rigatoni can work as well. The key is to maintain a similar cooking time—around 12-15 minutes to reach al dente. If you're using fresh pasta, reduce the cooking time significantly, checking for doneness after about 4-5 minutes as it cooks faster.

When it comes to liquids, using vegetable broth adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. You could substitute with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option, or even make it lighter by using low-sodium broth. If you prefer a non-dairy version, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for creaminess without the dairy—just be prepared for a slight flavor change.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is incredibly versatile. For added nutrition and flavor, consider tossing in sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes right before serving. These should be added during the last couple of minutes of cooking, allowing them to soften without losing texture. I love how a pop of color and additional crunch can elevate the entire dish!

If you're looking to make this a heartier meal, adding proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or even browned sausage can make it a complete dish. Just ensure your proteins are pre-cooked and added to the pasta during the final minutes to warm through. For an extra layer of flavor, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving adds a delightful kick!

Ingredients

For the Pasta

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

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Add penne pasta and vegetable broth, bringing it to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.

Make it Creamy

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until creamy and combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or more broth to achieve your desired consistency.

Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the pasta. You can also top it with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.

Storage and Reheating

This creamy pasta dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Once it cools, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep the pasta from drying out, make sure to cover it well. If you notice the sauce thickens in the fridge, stir in a little water or broth while reheating to bring it back to a creamy consistency.

To reheat, a microwave works in a pinch, but for the best texture, consider warming it in a saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary. In just about 5-10 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue with creamy sauces is that they can sometimes break or separate, resulting in an unappealing texture. If you find this happening, control the heat; keep it on medium or lower as you incorporate the cream in the later steps. Additionally, mixing the cream too aggressively can cause separation, so a gentle fold is recommended to keep the sauce smooth and glossy.

If the sauce ends up too thick or sticky after cooking, don’t fret. Just add a bit more broth or cream, stirring over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency. This recipe is forgiving, and with just a little adjustment, it can turn out perfectly creamy every time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Yes, whole wheat pasta works great in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as it may take longer.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan cheese instead of Parmesan.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a little extra broth or water to loosen the sauce.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed chickpeas can be great additions for some extra protein.