If you’re looking for a simple garlic pasta recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a family favorite in our home. Just the other night, my son Jake exclaimed, 'This is the best pasta ever!' after his first bite, and I couldn’t help but smile. It’s quick, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for easy at home meals.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s all made in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze.
- The creamy garlic sauce is rich and comforting.
- You can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins.
Pure Comfort
This dish is pure comfort food. The creamy sauce wraps around each noodle, making every bite feel like a warm hug. Plus, the garlic aroma fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table.
What You Need
- 8 oz 8 oz fettuccine pasta – You can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer.
- 4 tbsp 4 tbsp unsalted butter – Use olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- 4 cloves 4 cloves garlic, minced – Adjust to taste; roasted garlic adds a sweeter flavor.
- 2 cups 2 cups chicken broth – Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version.
- 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream – Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- 1 cup 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan alternative.
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Fresh herbs like parsley can enhance the flavor.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prep the ingredients a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s melted and bubbly, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, but be careful not to burn it.
- Next, add the fettuccine pasta to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. The sauce will start to thicken and become creamy, coating the pasta beautifully.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. If you want to add a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
- Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is thick and clings to the pasta.
- Serve the creamy garlic pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. It’s perfect as a main dish or a side for your favorite protein.
Make It Perfect
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- If the sauce is too thick, just add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
- This dish is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
Mix It Up
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Mix in seasonal vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Perfect Partners
- Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad.
- Garlic bread makes a great side to soak up the creamy sauce.
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FAQs
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients the day before and cook it when you’re ready.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I freeze this pasta?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just reheat gently.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream for a lighter option.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the creamy texture and garlic flavor.
Conclusion
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is sure to become a staple in your home. With its rich flavor and simple preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. So, gather your loved ones and enjoy this easy creamy garlic pasta together!
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta for Easy At Home Meals
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Main
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta Substitute with any pasta shape you prefer
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter Use olive oil for a dairy-free option
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Adjust to taste; roasted garlic adds a sweeter flavor
- 2 cups chicken broth Vegetable broth works for vegetarian version
- 1 cup heavy cream Substitute with half-and-half for lighter option
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Nutritional yeast can be used for vegan alternative
- to taste Salt and pepper Fresh herbs like parsley can enhance flavor
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted and bubbly.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden; avoid burning.
- Add fettuccine pasta to the pot and pour in chicken broth; stir to combine.
- Bring mixture to a gentle boil and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese; mix until sauce thickens and coats pasta.
- Season pasta with salt and pepper to taste; add red pepper flakes for a little kick if desired.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes to let flavors meld and sauce thicken.
- Serve the creamy garlic pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.