One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution when you need something delicious without the fuss. As a college student living in my first apartment, I discovered that pasta dishes could be both comforting and simple to prepare. This creamy, garlicky pasta has become my go-to recipe when I want something satisfying but don’t have the energy for complicated cooking or cleanup. The best part? It requires just one pot and no heavy cream, making it perfect for easy dinner to make any night of the week.

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Why You’ll Love This One Pot Pasta

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta isn’t just another pasta night idea – it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine without sacrificing flavor. When I first moved into my apartment during college, I quickly realized how precious counter space and clean dishes were. This recipe solved both problems while delivering restaurant-quality results.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

What makes this recipe stand out among other easy meals dinner options is its simplicity and speed. Everything cooks together in one pot, which means:

Less time monitoring multiple pots and pans
Minimal cleanup (just one pot to wash!)
Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish
Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re exhausted after classes or work

The pasta absorbs the flavors as it cooks, creating a naturally thickened sauce without any heavy cream. For college students or anyone cooking in a small apartment kitchen, this technique is revolutionary for creating easy apartment meals without specialized equipment.

Affordable and Adaptable

As someone who created this blog to share accessible recipes, I love that this dish:

Uses pantry staples you likely already have
Costs significantly less than takeout
Requires no fancy ingredients or equipment
Works with whatever pasta shape you have on hand
Creates a creamy sauce without heavy cream
Serves as a perfect no meat pasta option for vegetarians or anyone looking to reduce meat consumption

This recipe has saved me countless times when I needed easy dinner recipes no meat required, whether I was cooking for myself or friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the reasons this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta has become my go-to easy recipes for one person (or more) is its simple ingredient list. My grandmother always said good food doesn’t need complicated ingredients, and this recipe proves her right.

8 oz pasta (any shape works – fettuccine, linguine, penne, or bowties)
4 tablespoons butter
6-8 garlic cloves, minced (adjust to your taste)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup milk (any kind you prefer)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, adds brightness)

What I love about these ingredients is that most are staples in even the most basic college apartment kitchen. No heavy cream required for this creamy pasta – the flour, butter, milk, and starch from the pasta create a silky sauce that tastes indulgent without the extra calories or cost.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

The beauty of this pasta dish lies in its simplicity. My grandmother taught me that cooking is about feeling and intuition, and this recipe embraces that philosophy while still being accessible for beginners.

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. The aroma will immediately transform your kitchen.
Sprinkle flour over the garlic butter and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.

Step 2: Create Your Sauce Base

Gradually add the broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Pour in the milk and continue whisking until smooth.
Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Cook Everything Together

Add the dry pasta directly to the pot, making sure it’s completely submerged in the liquid.
Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
If the sauce becomes too thick before pasta is done, add a splash more broth or water.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Once pasta is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
Add lemon juice if using and adjust seasoning to taste.
Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes – the sauce will continue to thicken.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

This method combines cooking the pasta and creating the sauce in one unified process, allowing the starch from the pasta to naturally thicken the sauce. It’s perfect for those nights when you need an easy dinner to make without sacrificing flavor or comfort.

Variations to Try

The versatility of this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta makes it perfect for customization based on what you have available or your particular cravings.

Add-ins for Extra Flavor and Nutrition

Vegetables: Throw in a handful of spinach, peas, or chopped asparagus in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Add them with the garlic for a tangy flavor boost.
Mushrooms: Sauté them with the garlic before adding the flour.
Herbs: Fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile.

These additions maintain the integrity of this being an easy dinner recipe no meat required, while allowing you to incorporate extra nutrition and flavor.

Making It More Substantial

For those times when you need something heartier:

Add cooked chicken or shrimp (already cooked) at the end.
Mix in a can of drained white beans for protein.
Top with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for texture.

Even with these additions, this remains one of the most adaptable pasta night ideas in my repertoire.

Storage & Reheating Tips

One of the things I’ve learned from my grandmother is that good food shouldn’t go to waste. This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta stores well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
The sauce will thicken considerably in the refrigerator – this is normal.
For easy apartment meals throughout the week, consider making a double batch.

Reheating For Best Results

Stovetop: Add a splash of milk or water and reheat on low, stirring frequently.
Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Add a small pat of butter when reheating to refresh the sauce.

The pasta may absorb more of the sauce during storage, but a little extra liquid during reheating brings it back to life, making this one of the most practical dinner ideas college students can rely on.

FAQs About One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Over time, I’ve received many questions about this recipe from friends and blog readers alike. Here are the most common ones:

Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Gluten-free pasta works well, though you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount slightly as it sometimes absorbs liquid differently.

Is there a dairy-free option?
Absolutely! Use plant-based butter, your favorite non-dairy milk, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a completely dairy-free version that’s still creamy and delicious.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
Other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano work well. In a pinch, even cheddar can work, though it will change the flavor profile.

Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if necessary, make it slightly underdone and add a splash of cream or milk when reheating.

How can I make it spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce at the end for an extra kick.

My Grandmother’s Touch

My grandmother would say this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta has soul despite its simplicity. She taught me that food doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful – sometimes the most straightforward dishes create the strongest connections and memories.

This easy pasta recipe embodies that philosophy perfectly. It’s forgiving enough for beginners but satisfying enough for experienced cooks. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner recipes no meat included, pasta recipes no heavy cream, or simply pasta night ideas to add to your rotation, this dish delivers.

I hope this One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta becomes a staple in your kitchen just as it has in mine. It’s more than just a meal – it’s a reminder that delicious food can be accessible to everyone, regardless of cooking experience or kitchen size. FOR MORE RECIPES FOLLOW ME IN PINTEREST