This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the weeknight dinner hero you didn’t know you needed. It’s rich, velvety, and ready in under 30 minutes. With bold garlic flavor, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious cream sauce that clings to every bite, this recipe delivers the comfort of Italian cuisine without the cleanup.

Whether you’re a busy parent or a cozy dinner-for-one enthusiast, this dish fits right into your routine. It requires only one pot, a handful of pantry staples, and zero culinary stress. Pair it with a crisp salad or crusty bread, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Creamy Garlic Pasta?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best for this dish because they hold the sauce well. Penne is especially ideal thanks to its tube shape, which allows the creamy garlic sauce to sneak inside and coat each bite.

Ingredients for the One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Pasta – Penne pasta is perfect for catching all that garlicky cream sauce. Choose a sturdy pasta that won’t get mushy.

Garlic – The star of the show. Use fresh cloves and mince them finely for maximum flavor.

Butter – Adds depth and richness to the base of the sauce.

Heavy Cream – This creates the creamy texture. You can sub with half and half for a lighter version.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding saltiness and umami.

Vegetable or Chicken Broth – Used to cook the pasta and build flavor in the sauce.

Salt & Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance every other ingredient.

Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – For a gentle kick that balances the creaminess.

Parsley (Optional) – Chopped fresh parsley brightens up the dish and makes it pretty enough to serve guests.

How To Make the One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Melt butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

Step 2: Add Broth and Pasta

Pour in the broth and bring it to a simmer. Add your uncooked penne and stir. Let the pasta cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 10-12 minutes).

Step 3: Stir in the Cream

Reduce heat to low. Add the heavy cream and stir gently until well incorporated. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Season

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store This Pasta

This pasta is best served hot and fresh right out of the pot. Pair it with a green salad, roasted veggies, or grilled chicken for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and warm over medium heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Use vegan butter, plant-based cream, and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Vegetable broth is already a great choice.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon at the end for a heartier version.

Is it okay to use pre-minced garlic?

Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but pre-minced can work in a pinch. Just be mindful of added preservatives that might alter the taste.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Cream-based pastas don’t freeze well, as the texture may change. It’s best to enjoy this one fresh or refrigerated.

What herbs go well with creamy garlic pasta?

Parsley is classic, but basil or thyme also add beautiful complementary notes.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta, check out these other weeknight winners:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest pasta board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up with red pepper flakes? Add grilled chicken? Or maybe doubled the garlic?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Ask questions, share tips—let’s cook smarter together. You can also follow along for more easy dinner inspiration over on my Pinterest @hallarecipes.