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One-Pan Cheesy Garlic Pasta
One-pan cheesy garlic pasta: quick, creamy, and easy cleanup with simple steps.
Why this recipe works
This One-Pan Cheesy Garlic Pasta is a quick, weeknight-friendly dish that cooks all in one pot. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a creamy pasta without multiple pots or a long cleanup.
- one pan pasta
- creamy garlic pasta
- 30 minute pasta dinner
- easy weeknight pasta
- cheesy pasta recipe
- pasta with garlic butter
- one pot pasta with cheese
Key takeaways
One-pan comfort with gooey cheese
Reserve pasta water to emulsify sauce
Stir in small batches for a glossy finish
Recipe guide
This One-Pan Cheesy Garlic Pasta is a quick, weeknight-friendly dish that cooks all in one pot. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a creamy pasta without multiple pots or a long cleanup.
Creamy, one-pan pasta in under 20 minutes.
- One-pan comfort with gooey cheese
- Reserve pasta water to emulsify sauce
- Stir in small batches for a glossy finish
Prep and plan
Grate cheeses, mince garlic, and measure water. Salt the boiling water well to flavor the pasta.
Cook and build sauce
Cook pasta to just shy of al dente, reserve water, then melt butter with garlic, dust with flour, and gradually whisk in pasta water to form a sauce before adding cheese.
Finish and serve
Toss with cheese until creamy, season, and serve immediately with a glossy coating.
Ingredients
- 200 g pasta
- 100 g cheese (grated)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp flour
- 100 ml pasta cooking water
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until just shy of al dente, reserving 100 ml cooking water before draining
- Return pasta to the pot off heat and add butter and minced garlic
- Sprinkle flour over pasta and toss quickly to coat and absorb butter
- Gradually add reserved pasta water while stirring to create a smooth sauce
- Add grated cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted and creamy
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste
- Serve immediately, stirring once more to ensure a glossy coating
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses?
Yes—use what you have (e.g., mozzarella, cheddar); grate fine for smoother sauce.
How can I make it healthier?
Use whole-wheat pasta and reduce cheese by a small amount; add extra garlic or a handful of greens.
Why add pasta water gradually?
Pasta water helps emulsify fat and starch, creating a silky sauce without extra cream.