One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Quick Answer
Sauté 6 minced garlic cloves in 2 tbsp butter 1 min. Add 12 oz penne, 3 cups broth, 1 cup water. Boil, reduce to simmer, cover 12 min. Stir in ½ cup cream, ½ cup parmesan, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes. Serves 4.
By Sarah Mitchell • June 15, 2026
Everything — including the uncooked pasta — goes into one pot. In 20 minutes, you have a creamy, garlicky pasta dinner with no draining, no extra pots, and minimal cleanup. The starchy pasta water becomes part of the sauce, creating an impossibly silky coating on every noodle.
This is the recipe college students, busy parents, and lazy cooks all need in their back pocket.
About This Recipe
"One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta" is a Quick & Easy recipe that brings penne or rigatoni pasta, garlic, minced, butter, chicken or vegetable broth and water together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Easy and ready in about 23 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 4 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The Italian inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- salt, pepper, and fresh basil
Instructions
- 1
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- 2
Add dry pasta, broth, and water. Bring to a boil.
- 3
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- 4
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- 5
Cook uncovered 2-3 more minutes until the sauce is thick and creamy.
- 6
Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve straight from the pot.
Expert Tips
For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. Penne or rigatoni pasta is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. Large pot work especially well for this preparation. Because the recipe is vegetarian, it fits easily into balanced eating plans. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.
What To Serve With This
"One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta" is a versatile Quick & Easy dish that pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, buttered green beans, roasted potatoes and classic Italian sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating before sealing the container. Reheat gently until warmed through, adding a small splash of liquid if needed to restore the original texture.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why not drain the pasta?
The starchy cooking water is the secret to a creamy sauce without extra thickeners. It emulsifies with the cream and Parmesan.
Can I add protein?
Absolutely — grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled sausage are all great. Cook separately and add at the end.
My pasta came out mushy — what went wrong?
Too much liquid or overcooking. Use the exact broth/water ratio and start checking at 10 minutes. Different pasta shapes absorb differently.
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