Description
A delicious one-pot creamy garlic pasta perfect for comforting meals with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- Pasta (Spaghetti or Fettuccine)
- Garlic (4-5 cloves)
- Milk (2 cups)
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated)
- Butter (4 tablespoons)
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- Parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once bubbling, add your pasta. Let it cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Chef Hack: Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining to use later—this starchy water can help thicken your sauce!
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same pot (yes, we love a one-pot wonder!), reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it’s melted, toss in your minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and golden. Pro Tip: Don’t let it brown too much; burnt garlic can turn bitter!
- Make it Creamy: Pour in the milk, stirring continuously. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then add in the cooked pasta, tossing to coat every strand in that luscious sauce. Chef Insight: If you like it creamier, feel free to add an extra splash of milk or a bit more butter!
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring. Let it melt and create a velvety sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually mix in that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Tip: This is where you really decide how creamy you want this dish!
- Season to Perfection: Finally, season generously with salt and black pepper. Keep tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed—you want this to sing with flavor!
- Garnish and Serve: Lastly, chop a handful of fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the top for a pop of color and fresh taste. Mix just before serving! Serving Tip: You could even add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a final touch of richness.
Notes
Experiment with different variations by adding veggies or protein for an extra twist!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pasta, creamy, garlic, one-pot meal, easy dinner, vegetarian