One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta ready in 20 minutes! This easy creamy garlic pasta uses simple ingredients for a rich, comforting dinner the whole family loves.
You know those nights when you’re staring into the fridge at 6 PM, already exhausted, wondering how you’ll pull together something that doesn’t come from a box? That’s exactly how this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta was born in my kitchen last Tuesday.
I needed comfort food—fast—and I wasn’t about to dirty every pot in the house. This simple garlic pasta comes together in literally one pot, which means less cleanup and more time curling up on the couch after dinner.
The magic happens when you cook the pasta directly in milk and water, creating a naturally creamy sauce without any heavy cream or complicated roux. It’s become my go-to easy creamy garlic pasta whenever life gets hectic, and honestly? My kids request it at least twice a week now.
Table of Contents
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta spaghetti, linguine, or penne
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups milk whole preferred, or use any you have
- 1 cup water or as needed to just cover the pasta
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess
- chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Melt the butter (or heat your olive oil) in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly and the garlic turns golden.
- Pour in your dry gluten-free pasta along with the milk and enough water to just barely cover everything. Give it a good stir to make sure nothing’s sticking to the bottom. Crank up the heat and bring the whole pot to a gentle boil—this is where the magic starts happening.
- Lower the heat to maintain a steady simmer and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the liquid while releasing its starches, creating that luscious, creamy sauce you’re craving. You’ll notice the sauce thickening beautifully as the pasta reaches al dente perfection.
- Remove the pot from heat and immediately add your Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until the cheese melts into the sauce and coats every strand of pasta. If you’re feeling indulgent, stir in that cream cheese or sour cream for an extra dreamy texture.
- Grab your favorite bowls and dish up this comforting pasta while it’s piping hot. Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free pasta | 8 oz | Spaghetti, linguine, or penne work beautifully |
| Butter or olive oil | 1 tablespoon | Your choice! |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced | Fresh is best |
| Milk | 2 cups | Whole preferred for richness |
| Water | 1 cup | Adjust to just cover pasta |
| Parmesan cheese | ¾ cup, freshly grated | Pre-grated won’t melt as smoothly |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Freshly ground if possible |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | Adds lovely depth |
| Cream cheese or sour cream | 2 tablespoons | Optional, for extra creaminess |
| Fresh parsley or basil | For garnish | Optional but pretty! |
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Melt the butter (or heat your olive oil) in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly and the garlic turns golden.
Step 2: Add the Pasta and Liquid
Pour in your dry gluten-free pasta along with the milk and enough water to just barely cover everything. Give it a good stir to make sure nothing’s sticking to the bottom. Crank up the heat and bring the whole pot to a gentle boil—this is where the magic starts happening.
Step 3: Cook Until Creamy
Lower the heat to maintain a steady simmer and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the liquid while releasing its starches, creating that luscious, creamy sauce you’re craving. You’ll notice the sauce thickening beautifully as the pasta reaches al dente perfection.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese and Seasonings
Remove the pot from heat and immediately add your Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until the cheese melts into the sauce and coats every strand of pasta. If you’re feeling indulgent (and honestly, why not?), stir in that cream cheese or sour cream for an all recipes creamy garlic pasta texture that’s downright dreamy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Grab your favorite bowls and dish up this comforting one pot creamy garlic butter pasta while it’s piping hot. Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve immediately and watch everyone come running to the table!
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Version: Swap the regular milk for unsweetened almond, oat, or coconut milk and use dairy-free butter or extra olive oil. Instead of Parmesan, try nutritional yeast (start with ½ cup) or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative for that savory, cheesy flavor we all love.
Pasta Alternatives: Any gluten-free pasta shape works beautifully in this simple garlic pasta recipe. I’ve had great success with brown rice pasta, chickpea pasta, and even lentil-based varieties. Just keep an eye on cooking times since different brands can vary by a minute or two.
Garlic Intensity: Not a huge garlic fan? Start with just 2 cloves and work your way up. On the flip side, if you’re Team Garlic Forever like me, go ahead and use 5 or 6 cloves for an extra punch of flavor that’ll make this easy creamy garlic pasta even more irresistible.
Cheese Options: No Parmesan on hand? Well… you can use pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a good sharp white cheddar. Each brings its own personality to the dish, so feel free to experiment based on what’s hiding in your cheese drawer.
Troubleshooting
Sauce Too Thin: If your sauce looks more like soup than cream after cooking, don’t panic. Let it simmer for an extra 2–3 minutes uncovered, stirring constantly, and the starches will continue thickening everything up. You can also stir in an extra tablespoon of Parmesan or a touch of cream cheese to help it along.
Pasta Sticking Together: This happens when you don’t stir frequently enough during cooking. Make sure you’re giving that pot a good stir every minute or so, especially in the first few minutes when the pasta releases the most starch. A splash more liquid and consistent stirring will keep everything flowing smoothly.
Sauce Broke or Looks Grainy: This usually means the heat was too high or the cheese was added while the pot was still on the burner. According to research on dairy proteins and heat, cheese melts best when added off heat and stirred gently. Remove your pot completely from the stove before adding Parmesan, and use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for the smoothest results.
Garlic Burned: Burnt garlic tastes bitter, so if you accidentally let it go too long, it’s better to start fresh. Keep the heat at medium (not medium-high) and stay close to the stove during that first sauté step—it only takes a minute!
Storage and Meal Prep
Store any leftover one pot creamy garlic butter pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, which is totally normal. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring until it returns to that silky texture.
For meal prep, you can cook this dish fully and portion it into individual containers for quick weekday lunches. I like to keep the garnish separate and add fresh herbs right before eating. Just know that gluten-free pasta tends to absorb more liquid over time, so don’t be surprised if you need to loosen things up with extra liquid when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This all recipes creamy garlic pasta is hearty enough to stand alone as a quick weeknight dinner, but it also pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, some gluten-free broccoli and mushroom stir-fry, or garlic bread made from your favorite gluten-free loaf.
For a complete meal, add protein directly to the pot. Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or pan-seared salmon turn this easy creamy garlic pasta into something special enough for company. I also love tossing in fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the last minute of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
Variations
Kid-Friendly Mild Version: Cut the garlic down to 2 cloves and skip the black pepper entirely for picky eaters. You can also stir in some cooked, diced chicken and frozen peas to make it more appealing and nutritious. My youngest actually eats vegetables when they’re swimming in this creamy sauce!
Protein-Packed Addition: Turn this simple garlic pasta into a complete one-dish meal by adding cooked Italian sausage, rotisserie chicken, or crispy bacon. Just brown your protein first, set it aside, then stir it back in during the final step. It makes the dish more filling and satisfying without much extra effort.
Veggie-Loaded Version: Sauté sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the garlic at the beginning. Cherry tomatoes are another gorgeous addition—they burst and release their juices into the sauce, adding brightness and acidity that balances the richness. This is my favorite way to sneak more vegetables onto the dinner table.
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic, or stir in a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce at the end. Man, oh man, does that little bit of spice take this one pot creamy garlic pasta to the next level on chilly evenings!
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta FAQs
Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?
Absolutely! While whole milk creates the richest, creamiest sauce, you can use 2% or even skim milk with great results. Non-dairy options like oat milk or cashew milk work beautifully too—just choose unsweetened varieties to keep the savory flavor intact.
What’s the best gluten-free pasta brand for this dish?
I’ve tested this easy creamy garlic pasta with several brands, and Barilla, Jovial, and Tinkyada all hold up wonderfully without getting mushy. According to nutritional guidelines for gluten-free grains, brown rice and corn-based pastas tend to have the best texture when cooked directly in liquid like this.
How do I prevent the milk from curdling?
Keep your heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil, and stir frequently throughout cooking. The starch from the pasta actually helps stabilize the milk, so as long as you’re not blasting it on high heat, you should be perfectly fine.
Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
This one pot creamy garlic butter pasta is definitely best fresh since the sauce continues to thicken over time. However, you can prep your ingredients ahead—mince the garlic, measure out the milk and seasonings, and grate the cheese. Then it only takes 20 minutes to cook right before serving.
Why is my sauce not thickening?
You might’ve added too much liquid initially, or your pasta may need a bit more cooking time. Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring often, and the sauce will reduce and thicken naturally. Remember, gluten-free pasta releases starches differently than wheat pasta, so patience is key!
Best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Add 2–3 tablespoons of milk or water to your portion before reheating. Warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst. This simple garlic pasta will come back to life with just a little extra moisture and gentle heat.
More Delicious Gluten-Free Recipes
If you loved how easy this one pot creamy garlic pasta came together, you’ll want to check out these other quick gluten-free favorites. My dairy-free potato leek soup is another cozy weeknight winner that feels fancy but takes minimal effort.
For a sweet ending to your meal, these sugar-free apple brownies are the perfect guilt-free treat. They’re great for satisfying dessert cravings without derailing your healthy eating goals.
