One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
Creamy Garlic Pasta is a delicious and easy dish that can satisfy your cravings for a comforting meal. This one-pot recipe is simple to make, and the flavors are rich and creamy. The combination of pasta, garlic, and cheese creates a wonderful taste that everyone will love. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting friends, this creamy pasta dish is sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta. First, it is incredibly simple to prepare. You can have this dish ready in about 30 minutes. This makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or quick lunches. Another great reason to choose this recipe is the clean-up. Since everything cooks in one pot, you have fewer dishes to wash afterward, leaving you more time to enjoy your delicious meal.
The creamy garlic sauce makes this dish stand out. You will savor every bite with its rich flavor and smooth texture. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that you probably already have at home, making it cost-effective. You can customize the dish further, adding your favorite vegetables or proteins like chicken or shrimp.
This pasta recipe is also versatile. You can easily adjust the seasonings and ingredients to match your needs or preferences. If you love a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add more minced garlic. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can use whole milk or even a plant-based milk alternative. This makes it ideal for feeding different tastes.
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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy one-pot creamy garlic pasta dish that’s rich in flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Any type of pasta (medium-sized like penne or fusilli)
- 2 cloves fresh minced garlic
- 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for richer sauce)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add dry pasta, milk, and enough water to cover the pasta completely.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked to desired tenderness.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider adding roasted garlic or using heavy cream instead of milk. You can also customize with vegetables or proteins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Making One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is straightforward and requires only a few easy steps. Follow this guide to create a tasty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
To make this creamy garlic pasta, you will need:
- Pasta: Any type of pasta will work, but medium-sized ones like penne or fusilli are best for holding the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic adds the delicious flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk gives the sauce creaminess. You can also use heavy cream for an even richer dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts well and enriches the sauce.
- Salt: Use salt to enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a bit of spice.
- Olive Oil: This is used to sauté the garlic and brings depth of flavor.
- Parsley (optional): Chopped parsley can be added for a fresh touch and a pop of color.
Directions
Start by taking a large pot and heating up some olive oil over medium heat. This will create a base for the garlic flavor.
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté it until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter if overcooked.
Once the garlic is ready, add the dry pasta to the pot, along with milk and enough water to cover the pasta completely. This will ensure that the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the garlic and olive oil.
Bring your mixture to a boil. As soon as it reaches a boiling point, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer while stirring occasionally. This helps to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook until the pasta is tender and fully cooked to your liking.
After the pasta is ready, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and blends into the creamy sauce. This will give your pasta a lovely richness.
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give the dish a good stir to ensure everything is mixed well. If you like, you can garnish with fresh parsley for extra flavor and a nice look. Serve warm and enjoy your meal!
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Serving One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is quite easy. This dish tastes best when it is freshly made and warm. You can serve it in bowls or on plates, depending on your preference. Sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan on top for a finishing touch. If you used parsley as a garnish, make sure it’s evenly distributed on top for a vibrant presentation.
Pair this dish with a refreshing green salad to balance the creaminess of the pasta. A simple side salad with greens, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing adds a nice contrast. To elevate the meal, you can serve crusty bread on the side for dipping in any leftover creamy sauce.
How to Store One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
If you have leftovers, storing One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is easy. Allow the pasta to cool down at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated if you don’t plan to eat it right away.
The pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is simple. Add a splash of milk or water to the pasta and heat it on the stove over low heat. Stir regularly until it is warmed through. You can also use a microwave if you prefer that method. Just cover the pasta with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to maintain moisture.
Tips to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Here are some helpful tips to enhance your One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta experience:
Choose the Right Pasta: Different pasta shapes hold sauces differently. Spiral or shell pasta is great for catching the sauce, while spaghetti is fantastic for twirling.
Adjust the Garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to add more than the recommended amount. Roasting the garlic before adding it can also yield a sweeter taste.
Use Fresh Cheese: For the best flavor, always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated cheese. Fresh cheese melts better and has a richer taste.
Add More Veggies: For added nutrition, throw in some vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Add them along with the pasta to cook them together.
Explore Protein Options: To add some protein, consider shredded chicken, cooked shrimp, or diced tofu. Add them at the end and mix well to warm them through.
Variation
You can easily customize One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta to suit your taste. Here are some variations to try:
Spicy Garlic Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Lemon Garlic Pasta: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add brightness to the dish and make the flavors pop.
Mushroom Garlic Pasta: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic at the beginning for an earthy flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! You can use any type of pasta, but medium-sized shapes like penne or fusilli work best, as they hold the sauce better.
2. Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by using plant-based milk, vegan Parmesan cheese, and vegetable oil instead of olive oil.
3. How long does it take to prepare and cook this dish?
The One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta takes around 30 minutes from start to finish, including preparation and cooking time.
In conclusion, One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a simple and delightful recipe that anyone can make. With its creamy texture and satisfying flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the ease of cooking it all in one pot and savor the delicious results!