One pot creamy garlic pasta. Yes, you read that right! One pot creamy garlic pasta perfection is just around the corner, and it’s easier than you think. Forget complicated recipes and endless dishes. This recipe is pure comfort food, simplified. I remember nights when I was craving a creamy, garlicky pasta but lacked the energy for a full-blown cooking extravaganza. This recipe was born out of those moments wanting simplicity and deliciousness combined. Ready to ditch the culinary stress and dive into a bowl of creamy goodness?
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Why You Will Love This one pot creamy garlic pasta Recipe
This one pot creamy garlic pasta recipe is a weeknight warrior, a flavor bomb, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser all rolled into one! The cleanup is minimal (our favorite!), and the creamy, garlicky sauce is utterly irresistible. It’s comfort food at its finest, without any of the fuss.
But what really sets this recipe apart is that it uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. No running to specialty stores or hunting down obscure spices! Just good, honest ingredients that come together to create something truly magical.
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Thinking about upgrading your dessert game? This one pot creamy garlic pasta perfectly complements a warm mug of Disneyland Hot Chocolate Reciperich Creamy Bliss, offering a delightful contrast of savory and sweet.
Ingredients Needed for This one pot creamy garlic pasta Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this comforting dish:
- Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work great!)
- Garlic: 6 cloves, minced (because garlic is life!)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable Broth: 4 cups
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated (plus more for serving!)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, red pepper flakes
How to Make This one pot creamy garlic pasta Recipe
Ready to create some creamy, garlicky magic? Follow these simple steps:
- 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant (but not browned!).
- 2. Add pasta and vegetable broth to the pot. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the broth.
- 3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for the time specified on the pasta package, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed. To make sure the pasta is at the right consistency, peek at the timing suggestions on the box itself.
- 4. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5. Continue cooking for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and is creamy. If you want a thinner sauce, feel free to add a little more broth.
- 6. Remove from heat and let stand for a minute or two to allow the sauce to settle.
- 7. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Serve This one pot creamy garlic pasta Recipe
This one pot creamy garlic pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings! Consider serving it with:
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread for extra garlicky goodness.
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
- Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for added flavor.
How to Store This one pot creamy garlic pasta Recipe
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate and become grainy upon thawing.
Tips to Make This one pot creamy garlic pasta Recipe
Want to ensure one pot creamy garlic pasta perfection every time? Here are a few tips and tricks:
- Don’t overcook the garlic: Burnt garlic will make your sauce bitter, so keep a close eye on it. Saute it until it’s fragrant and lightly golden.
- Use good quality Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt more smoothly and have a better flavor than pre shredded cheese.
- Adjust the amount of broth as needed: If the pasta is absorbing the broth too quickly, add a little more. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or sun dried tomatoes. Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
Helpful Notes for This one pot creamy garlic pasta Recipe
A few extra notes to ensure success:
- Pasta Type: Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti are all great choices for this recipe. Shorter pasta shapes like rotini or elbow macaroni can also work well. Use whatever you have on hand!
- Vegetable Broth: Low sodium vegetable broth is a good option to control the saltiness of the dish. You can also use chicken broth for a different flavor profile.
- Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese can be substituted for Parmesan cheese for a sharper, saltier flavor.
Variation of This one pot creamy garlic pasta Recipe
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Spicy one pot creamy garlic pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Tomato and Garlic Pasta: Stir in a can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for a tangy twist.
- Creamy Mushroom and Garlic Pasta: Add sliced mushrooms to the pot along with the garlic. Saute until softened before adding the pasta and broth.
- Chicken one pot creamy garlic pasta: Add pre-cooked shredded chicken to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking.
How do you make creamy pasta in one pot?
Creamy pasta in one pot is made by cooking the pasta directly in the sauce ingredients. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors and release starch, which helps thicken the sauce.
What kind of pasta is best for one pot pasta?
Smaller pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ditalini work best for one pot pasta because they cook quickly and evenly. Longer pasta like spaghetti can also be used but may require breaking in half before cooking.
Can I add protein to my one pot creamy garlic pasta?
Yes, you can add protein to your one pot creamy garlic pasta. Cooked chicken, shrimp, sausage, or even chickpeas can be added during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing them to heat through and absorb the sauce’s flavors.
How do I prevent my one pot creamy garlic pasta from being too dry?
To prevent one pot creamy garlic pasta from drying out, ensure you use enough liquid (broth, water, or cream) to fully submerge the pasta. Stir frequently during cooking and add more liquid if needed. Remember, the pasta will absorb a lot of liquid as it cooks.
