Creamy garlic one pot pasta is the viral weeknight dinner that cooks the noodles and the sauce in the same pan. As the pasta simmers in broth and milk, the starch thickens everything into a silky garlic Parmesan sauce.
This easy one pot garlic parmesan pasta is a true 25 minute one pot pasta recipe with minimal cleanup. If you love a creamy garlic pasta with spinach, this will become your go-to.
Recipe at a Glance
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Category | Dinner / Pasta |
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic One Pot Pasta
- Everything cooks in one pan with no draining
- Silky, garlicky sauce made without a roux
- Ready in 25 minutes using pantry staples
- Easy to customize with chicken, shrimp, or veggies
- Kid-friendly and great for busy nights
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter and 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
How to Make One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Melt the butter in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat and cook the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the pasta, broth, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the cream and cook for 1 minute until the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Remove from the heat, then stir in the Parmesan and spinach until melted and wilted.
- Let the pasta rest for 3 minutes so the sauce thickens, then serve.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Pasta with Spinach
- Stir often so the pasta does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
- Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce gets too thick.
- Use a wide, deep skillet so the pasta cooks evenly.
- Finish with lemon juice for a bright flavor.
Variations to Try: One Pot Pasta Ideas
- Add sliced cooked chicken or shrimp for protein.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
- Use shells or fusilli instead of penne.
- Top with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley.
How to Store It
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended because the cream sauce can separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook pasta in broth and milk?
Yes. The starch from the pasta thickens the liquid as it simmers, creating a creamy sauce without draining.
Why is my one pot pasta sticky or gummy?
It likely needed more stirring or liquid. Stir often and add a splash of broth if it looks dry.
What pasta works best for one pot pasta?
Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or shells work best because they cook evenly in the liquid.
Can I make creamy garlic one pot pasta dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Creamy Garlic One Pot Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Melt the butter and cook the garlic for 30 seconds.
- Step 2: Add the pasta, broth, milk, and seasonings and bring to a boil.
- Step 3: Simmer uncovered 12 to 14 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender.
- Tip: Frequent stirring prevents sticking.
- Step 4: Stir in the cream and cook 1 minute.
- Step 5: Off the heat, stir in the Parmesan and spinach until melted and wilted.
- Step 6: Rest 3 minutes to thicken and serve.
Notes
Add a splash of milk if the sauce tightens as it sits.