$5 One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

$5 One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Creamy garlic pasta served in a Japanese ceramic bowl with chopsticks, topped with Parmesan and green onions.
This $5 One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the perfect college-friendly dinner: cheap, fast, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have. Everything cooks in one pot — pasta, sauce, and all — which means less cleanup and more flavor.

$5 One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Servings: 2–3   |   Prep Time: 5 minutes   |   Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta (any shape)
  • 3 cups water or broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan (optional but recommended)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Add pasta, water/broth, milk, garlic, and butter to a pot.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring often.
  3. Once pasta is tender and liquid has thickened, stir in Parmesan.
  4. Season with salt and pepper. Add extra milk if you want it creamier.
  5. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  • Add spinach, peas, or leftover chicken for extra protein.

Estimated Cost

  • Pasta: $1.00
  • Milk: $0.40
  • Garlic: $0.20
  • Butter: $0.30
  • Parmesan: $2.00 (optional)

Total cost: About $5.00
Cost per serving: $1.60–$2.50

Why This Recipe Works

  • Everything cooks in one pot — less cleanup.
  • Uses cheap pantry ingredients.
  • Beginner-friendly and fast.
  • Customizable with whatever you have on hand.
  • Perfect for dorm kitchens or small apartments.

Substitutions & Variations

  • No milk? Use extra water and add a spoon of cream cheese.
  • No Parmesan? Add any shredded cheese you have.
  • Add protein: leftover chicken, canned chicken, or bacon bits.
  • Add veggies: frozen spinach, peas, broccoli, or tomatoes.

Storage Tips

  • Fridge: 3–4 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezer: Not recommended — dairy sauces separate.
  • Reheat: Add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.

FAQ

Can I make this without cheese?
Yes — it will still be creamy from the milk and starch.

Can I use almond or oat milk?
Yes, but unsweetened works best.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — just use a larger pot and stir more often.

Final Tips

For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or a squeeze of lemon. This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to customize it based on what you already have.

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