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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

A comforting and simple one-pot dish that combines pasta, garlic, and creamy Parmesan for a quick dinner with minimal mess.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz pasta Use spaghetti or fettuccine; whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives work too.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Can replace with butter for a different flavor.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Increase for a stronger garlic flavor or reduce for a milder taste.
  • 2 cups milk Use non-dairy milk for a lactose-free option.
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Freshly grated offers the best flavor; nutritional yeast is a good vegan substitute.
  • to taste salt and pepper Adjust for personal preference.
  • optional Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish; can substitute with other fresh herbs.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Add the pasta and milk to the pot, ensuring the pasta is covered with liquid.
  3. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
  4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For best results, stir the pasta frequently to prevent clumping. Use high-quality Parmesan for a creamy sauce. Customize with vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes, or add a splash of white wine for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with a crisp salad or garlic bread.