Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup water (or as needed to cover pasta)
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cream cheese or sour cream
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or basil
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Add the dry pasta, milk, and enough water to barely cover the pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente and the liquid reduces into a creamy sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until melted and creamy.
- For extra creaminess, stir in cream cheese or sour cream.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for a heartier meal.
- Stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg