Craving a dinner that’s both quick and incredibly satisfying? Let me introduce you to One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta. This isn’t just pasta—it’s a flavor explosion ready in minutes, made with simple ingredients for a surprisingly healthy, feel-good meal. Believe me, as a busy parent always looking for shortcuts without sacrificing taste, this has become a weeknight staple!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandmother, Nonna Elena, was a master of simple, flavorful Italian cooking. While she never actually made One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (one-pot cooking wasn’t really her style!), this recipe embodies her spirit of transforming basic ingredients into something magical. It reminds me of summers spent in her kitchen, the aroma of garlic and herbs filling the air. Every bite is a little taste of her love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is ready in just five steps:
- Combine pasta, broth, water, olive oil, and garlic in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Bring to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the liquid is almost completely absorbed (about 15-20 minutes).
- Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper (and red pepper flakes, if using).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately!
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine pasta, broth, water, olive oil, and garlic in a large pot or Dutch oven.1 pound pasta, 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 cups water, 4 tablespoons olive oil, 6 cloves garlic
- Bring to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the liquid is almost completely absorbed (about 15-20 minutes).
- Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Season with salt and pepper (and red pepper flakes, if using).to taste Salt and pepper, Optional: Red pepper flakes
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately!1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese