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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

The Crispy Chef
One pot creamy garlic pasta is your new weeknight hero — pasta cooked directly in garlic cream sauce for rich flavor, fewer dishes, and maximum comfort. Perfectly creamy, packed with garlic, and ready in under 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Main
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 690 kcal

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven Must fit 1 lb pasta plus liquid
  • Wooden spoon
  • Garlic press or knife For mincing garlic
  • Cheese grater For fresh parmesan
  • Measuring Cups

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb penne, rigatoni, or fusilli
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 0.5 cup white wine (optional)
  • 8–10 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 0.5 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly. Do not brown.
  • Add broth, cream, and wine (if using). Stir in salt, pepper, and herbs. Add uncooked pasta and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low to simmer.
  • Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring every 2–3 minutes. Pasta should be al dente and most liquid absorbed. Add more broth if needed or cook uncovered to reduce.
  • Remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan until melted. Add chopped herbs. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Optional: Stir in cooked proteins or vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes now to warm through.
  • Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Garnish with extra parmesan and herbs.

Notes

Customize with spinach, shrimp, or sun-dried tomatoes. For a lighter version, swap cream for half and half (add flour if needed to thicken). Best served fresh — leftovers thicken and need broth or cream to loosen. Avoid overcooking the garlic, and stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking.

Nutrition

Calories: 690kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 19gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 23gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 690mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2.2mg
Keyword creamy pasta,, easy weeknight dinner, garlic pasta, one pot pasta
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