One Pot Creamy Garlic White Wine Pasta

Name: One Pot Creamy Garlic White Wine Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces of pasta (penne or fettuccine works well); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup white wine; 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I absolutely love cooking this One Pot Creamy Garlic White Wine Pasta because it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The combination of garlic and white wine creates a delightful aroma in the kitchen, making it a perfect dish for a cozy dinner at home. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, which means less mess and a shorter cleanup time. Plus, the creamy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, offering a comforting yet sophisticated meal that is sure to impress anyone at your table.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-16T13:50:18.581Z

When I first tried creating a creamy pasta dish, I was determined to make it all in one pot. This method not only simplifies the cooking process, but it allows the pasta to absorb all the rich flavors as it cooks. I found that using a good quality white wine elevates the sauce and balances the richness of the cream, creating a delightful dish.

While experimenting with garlic levels, I realized that roasting the garlic slightly before adding it to the dish brought out a sweeter, more caramelized flavor. This not only added depth but also made the dish feel more gourmet. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never want to go back to traditional pasta preparation!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich garlic flavor that complements the cream perfectly
One pot means easy cooking and effortless cleanup
Versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients

Flavorful Ingredients

The key to the rich flavor of this One Pot Creamy Garlic White Wine Pasta lies in its ingredients, particularly the garlic and white wine. Garlic not only provides a pungent, aromatic flavor but also becomes sweet and mellow once sautéed. It's important to mince the garlic finely to ensure an even distribution of its flavor throughout the dish. Choose a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking, as this will enhance the overall taste. A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well here, balancing the creamy sauce beautifully.

The addition of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese is crucial for achieving that luxurious, velvety texture. Heavy cream adds richness, while the cheese brings depth and umami. For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or a non-dairy substitute like cashew cream. Just be aware that the resulting sauce may not be as thick, so be prepared to adjust the cooking time to ensure the pasta absorbs enough liquid while cooking.

Cooking Techniques

When sautéing the garlic, use a medium heat—it allows the flavors to develop without risking a burnt taste. An excellent tip I’ve learned is to watch for that golden color around the edges of the garlic; this indicates it’s time to deglaze with white wine. Scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot during this step enhances the dish's overall complexity as it collects and melds different flavors together. Take your time here, and you'll create a well-rounded base for your pasta.

Stirring frequently while cooking the pasta in the broth ensures that none of the noodles stick together. This technique allows for an even cook, absorbing the broth's flavors. Always taste the pasta a minute or two before the recommended cooking time to gauge doneness. Ideally, the pasta should be al dente, providing a pleasant bite alongside the creamy sauce. If you find your pasta is too firm, add a splash of additional broth or water to continue cooking without losing the integrity of the dish.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious meal:

Ingredients

8 ounces of pasta (penne or fettuccine works well)
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup white wine
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure to have everything ready to start cooking.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a flavorful dish:

Sauté Garlic

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.

Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pot.

Cook the Pasta

Add the pasta to the pot along with the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir well, cover, and cook according to pasta package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes.

Make it Creamy

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, enjoying the creamy goodness!

Enjoy your magnificent one pot meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the pasta. You can also adjust the wine amount depending on your preference for acidity and richness.

Storage and Reheating

This creamy pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to the pan to loosen the sauce, as it thickens during storage. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring gently, until warmed through. This method ensures that your pasta doesn't dry out and maintains its original creamy texture.

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, cook the pasta and the creamy sauce separately, then combine just before serving. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy. You can store the sauce in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it a convenient option for a quick weeknight meal.

Variations and Customizations

One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the dish by adding seasonal vegetables such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Just toss them in during the final minutes of cooking to ensure they retain their color and crispness. For added protein, consider tearing cooked chicken or shrimp into the dish at the end, stirring until just warmed through.

If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added when sautéing the garlic. This brings a subtle spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the creaminess of the sauce. For a herbaceous note, fresh basil or arugula can be added just before serving, adding a fresh pop of color and flavor that enhances the overall dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work, but make sure to adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter version.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring the broth and cheese are also gluten-free.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and mix it with freshly cooked pasta later.