One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a delicious and simple dish that everyone can enjoy. With creamy sauce and garlic flavor, it’s a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction. You only need one pot, making cleanup easy. If you love pasta and want a quick meal, keep reading to learn more.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta. First, it is incredibly easy to prepare. You don’t need to boil pasta separately, which saves time and effort. Just one pot means less cleaning up, which is perfect for busy weeknights.
Second, the taste is wonderful. The creamy sauce combined with garlic gives a flavorful experience in every bite. For those who enjoy garlic, this dish brings out its rich taste without overwhelming the palate. The addition of Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful richness and a bit of nutty flavor.
Third, this recipe is versatile. You can change it to fit your tastes. Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more nutrition. You could even include grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. This flexibility makes it a great choice for families, as you can cater to different preferences.
Lastly, it’s a great way to show off your cooking skills without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you are cooking for your family or friends, this pasta dish is impressive and comforting, showing that simple can also be delicious.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Making this pasta is simple. Follow the steps below to create a creamy garlic pasta dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Start by pouring the olive oil into your pot. Let it heat up for a minute or two until it feels warm. Olive oil adds a nice flavor and helps cook the garlic.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir it around, letting it cook for about a minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not brown. If it browns, it could taste bitter.
Add the pasta and milk, stirring to combine. Pour in the pasta along with 2 cups of milk. Stir everything together so the pasta is submerged in the milk. This will help cook the pasta and create a creamy sauce.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until pasta is tender (about 10-12 minutes). Turn up the heat until the milk starts to boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook. Stir occasionally so the pasta does not stick to the bottom of the pot. After about 10 to 12 minutes, the pasta should be tender.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Once the pasta is tender, take off the lid. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it well until the cheese is melted and mixed in, creating a creamy texture.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Take a moment to taste the pasta. Add salt and pepper according to your liking. This step is crucial, as it enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Finally, scoop out the pasta into bowls or plates. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for color and a bit of extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Serving One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is simple and enjoyable. You can serve it as a main dish or pair it with some sides. Here are some suggestions:
With a salad: Another great way to enjoy this pasta is by serving it alongside a fresh salad. A crisp Caesar salad or a light garden salad with lemon vinaigrette will complement the creamy pasta nicely.
With bread: Garlic bread or a baguette goes well with this dish. The crunch of the bread can add texture and balance the creaminess of the pasta.
As leftovers: If there are any leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoy the next day. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra milk if needed to keep it creamy.
How to Store One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Storing this pasta is quite easy. Here’s how to do it properly:
Cool it down: Let the pasta come to room temperature before storing. This step helps prevent bacterial growth.
Use an airtight container: Place the cooled pasta in an airtight container. Make sure the lid is sealed well.
Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for up to three days.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta can be frozen. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Tips to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Timing is essential: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. Different types and brands of pasta may take more or less time. Always taste a piece in the last few minutes to make sure it’s perfect.
Stir often: Stirring helps keep the pasta from sticking together or to the pot. It also helps the sauce thicken nicely.
Add more cheese: If you love cheese, feel free to add more Parmesan to your liking for a cheesier dish.
Experiment with flavors: You can try using garlic powder or different herbs like basil or oregano for various flavors. Adjust to your taste preference.
Variation
While this recipe is perfect as is, you can easily change it up in various ways. Here are a few ideas:
Vegetable addition: Toss in some chopped vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli at the same time you add the pasta and milk. They will cook together and add nutrition to your dish.
Protein boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling meal. Simply cook the protein separately, then mix it in after finishing the pasta.
Use different cheese: While Parmesan is classic, you can also try using mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses to create different flavors.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
- Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as it may vary from regular pasta.
Can I reheat One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta?
- Absolutely! Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk if the sauce is too thick.
How can I make it spicier?
- If you like heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or some cayenne pepper along with the garlic for a kick.
This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta recipe is a fantastic addition to your meal rotations. It’s quick, simple, and delicious while accommodating various taste preferences. Enjoy your cooking and the delightful meal you create!
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add the pasta and milk, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until pasta is tender (about 10-12 minutes).
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.