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Quick and Creamy One Pot Pasta Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Rich, creamy garlic pasta made in one pot in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a fast family dinner or a cozy solo meal.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Dinner, Pasta, Quick Meals
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz dried pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or California olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups whole milk or 2% milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese about 3 oz
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream optional, for extra creaminess
  • chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Method
 

Sauté Garlic
  1. In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter or warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant but not browned.
Add Pasta and Liquid
  1. Pour in the dry pasta, milk, and water. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.
Cook the Pasta
  1. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce.
Stir in Cheese and Seasoning
  1. Add the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. For extra creaminess, stir in the cream cheese or sour cream.
Serve
  1. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately while hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 18gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 680mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8g

Notes

For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of low-fat. If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer an extra minute or two. To make it a complete meal, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or steamed veggies. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; add a splash of milk when reheating. Avoid overcooking the garlic, as it can become bitter.

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