This one pot creamy garlic butter pasta is rich, smooth, and full of flavor. Everything cooks in a single pot, which keeps cleanup simple and makes this recipe perfect for busy nights. The pasta absorbs the garlic butter sauce as it cooks, creating a creamy and comforting dinner with minimal effort.

If you enjoy easy pasta recipes with simple ingredients, this dish fits perfectly into your weekly meal plan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made in one pot for easy cleanup
• Creamy texture without complicated steps
• Simple ingredients you already use
• Perfect for quick pasta dinner recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 oz dry pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta

1. Add the butter to a large pot and place it over medium heat. Let the butter melt completely.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
3. Pour in the milk, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir until combined.
4. Add the dry pasta directly into the pot, pressing it gently so it stays mostly covered by the liquid.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
6. Cook uncovered, stirring often, until the pasta becomes tender and the sauce thickens.
7. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
8. Season with salt and black pepper according to taste.
9. Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for about one minute.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

Recipe Tips

• Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• The sauce thickens as it rests, so serve shortly after cooking.
• Freshly grated Parmesan blends more smoothly into the sauce.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a small splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

Print

One Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta

Recipe by Pin Helper

Course: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Creamy garlic butter pasta made in one pot. The pasta cooks directly in a rich garlic butter sauce, creating a smooth and comforting dinner with minimal cleanup.

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz dry pasta

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups milk

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

• Add the butter to a large pot over medium heat and let it melt completely.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
• Pour in the milk, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir until combined.
• Add the dry pasta directly into the pot, pressing it gently so it stays mostly submerged.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
• Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
• Season with salt and black pepper according to taste.
• Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for about one minute.
• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Recipe Video

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