Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dish: one pot creamy garlic pasta! It’s seriously a game changer—just toss everything into one pot, and in no time, you’ve got a rich, creamy meal that’ll make your taste buds dance! I love how the garlic fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma, and the best part? It’s all made in one pot, which means minimal cleanup. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be making it over and over again. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something comforting and delicious without a whole lot of fuss. You’ll adore the silky texture and the way it just hugs each piece of pasta. So, let’s dive into this easy, creamy goodness together!
Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up your creamy garlic pasta. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bring them all together!
- 8 oz pasta: You can use any shape you love—spaghetti, penne, or even fettuccine work beautifully!
- 4 cups vegetable broth: This adds wonderful flavor and keeps everything vegetarian. Homemade or store-bought, either works great!
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is the secret to that luscious, creamy texture that coats the pasta perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key here! It brings that big, bold flavor. Adjust to your taste if you’re a garlic lover like me!
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a savory richness. I like to use freshly grated for the best melt!
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Just a little bit to sauté the garlic and get things started on the right foot.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your liking. A little salt enhances the flavors, while pepper adds a nice kick!
How to Prepare One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Alright, let’s get down to business! Making this one pot creamy garlic pasta is super simple—just follow my lead, and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and warm but not smoking—just enough to get the cooking party started!
- Next, toss in those 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté them for about 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely divine! Just keep an eye on it; we don’t want burnt garlic here, so stir it around!
- Now, it’s time to add the fun stuff! Throw in your 8 oz of pasta and pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. This is the perfect time to taste it—if you like it a little firmer or softer, just adjust the cooking time slightly!
- After the pasta has cooked to your liking, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Oh wow, can you smell that creamy goodness? Mix it all together until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Finally, season your pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last stir, and voila! It’s ready to serve. Make sure to plate it up while it’s hot for the best experience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just about 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delicious meal even on the busiest of nights.
- One Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to a mountain of dishes! Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to each pasta strand.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix it up! You can easily add your favorite veggies or switch out the pasta shape to suit your taste.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also completely vegetarian, making it perfect for everyone at your table!
- Kid-Approved: The creamy garlic flavor is always a hit with kids, making it an easy choice for family dinners.
Tips for Success
Before you dive into making this delicious one pot creamy garlic pasta, here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every single time!
- Choose the Right Pasta: While any pasta shape works, I find that shorter shapes like penne or fusilli hold onto the creamy sauce better. Plus, they cook evenly in one pot!
- Don’t Skip the Tasting: When the pasta is cooking, taste it a minute or two before the recommended time. This way, you can catch it at your preferred al dente texture!
- Adjust the Garlic: If you’re not a huge garlic fan, start with just 2 cloves and gradually add more to suit your taste. Trust me, it’s all about finding that perfect balance!
- Mix in Some Greens: Boost the nutritional value by tossing in some spinach or kale during the last minute of cooking. They wilt quickly and add a lovely color!
- Stir Well: When you add the cream and cheese, be sure to stir thoroughly to avoid any clumps. You want that silky sauce to coat every piece of pasta!
- Save Some Pasta Water: If your sauce gets too thick, don’t panic! Just reserve a splash of the pasta cooking water before draining and stir it in to loosen things up.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving adds a pop of color and freshness. It’s the little touches that make it feel special!
Variations
One of the best things about this one pot creamy garlic pasta is how versatile it is! You can easily mix things up to keep it exciting. Here are some of my favorite variations:
- Different Pasta Shapes: Swap out the traditional pasta for something new! Try farfalle, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta for a twist.
- Veggie Boost: Add in some colorful veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking for a nutritious upgrade!
- Mushroom Medley: For an earthy flavor, sauté some sliced mushrooms with the garlic. They add a lovely texture and depth to the dish.
- Protein Punch: If you want to make it heartier, stir in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a protein boost!
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs! Fresh basil, thyme, or oregano can elevate the flavor profile and give it a fresh taste.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when you add the garlic. It brings a delightful zing to the creamy sauce!
Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own! Each variation brings a new layer of flavor, and you’ll never get bored with it!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Each serving of this one pot creamy garlic pasta is packed with flavor and has a pretty decent nutritional profile. Here’s a breakdown for you:
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keep in mind, these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. So, while I strive to give you the most accurate info, it’s always good to double-check if you’re tracking your intake closely. Enjoy every creamy bite with peace of mind!
FAQ Section
Can I make one pot creamy garlic pasta ahead of time?
Sure! You can prepare it a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back that creamy texture!
What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
No worries at all! You can use chicken broth or even water if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to season it a bit more if you go with water to make sure it’s flavorful!
Can I use whole grain or gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Whole grain pasta adds a nice nutty flavor, and gluten-free pasta works just as well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re looking for a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or add some chopped jalapeños for extra heat. It’s all about your spice level!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive that creamy goodness.
One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta: 5 Steps to Pure Comfort
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Creamy garlic pasta made in one pot.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz pasta
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add pasta and vegetable broth to the pot.
- Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer.
- Cook pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer.
- Adjust garlic amount based on your taste.
- Can add vegetables for more nutrition.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 55g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 15g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: one pot creamy garlic pasta
