Lightened Up One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

Looking for a great recipe that feels like comfort food but comes together with simple ingredients and minimal effort?

This lightened-up one-pot creamy garlic pasta is your new favorite recipe!

Made in a large skillet or stockpot, this easy pasta recipe combines fresh garlic, a touch of olive oil (or avocado oil), and fresh seasonings with a rich yet light creamy garlic sauce that coats every piece of al dente pasta perfectly.

Unlike traditional versions loaded with heavy cream, this easy recipe uses a little tsp olive oil, chicken bone broth, and unsweetened almond milk to create a silky, creamy sauce with just the right amount of parmesan cheese and spinach for brightness.

Add in a little bit of red pepper flakes or red chili flakes for heat if you like spice, and you've got an excellent recipe the whole family will love.

The best part? It all cooks in a single pot, so your pasta cooks right in the sauce - no draining, no mess!

Whether you use mezzi rigatoni, spaghetti, linguine or your favorite pasta shape, this one pot pasta recipe comes together on medium heat(then low heat for the final simmer) in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings or a busy week night dinner.

You can easily mix in cooked chicken or ground beef for extra protein, and it's great for meal prep - just store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy the next day.

With simple steps, enough liquid to make it perfectly creamy, and fresh parsley or fresh basil to finish, this amazing pasta is one of those one-pot recipes you'll keep in your meal rotation all year long.

For the full recipe and detailed cooking times, keep reading - this creamy garlic pasta dish might just become your new go-to for one-pot meals that taste indulgent but are secretly lightened up!

🌟 Fun Fact You'll Love:

Did you know that pasta actually has a lower glycemic impact when it's cooked al dente?
That means when you keep your pasta slightly firm (instead of soft and mushy), your body digests it more slowly - helping you stay fuller longer and avoid that post-pasta energy crash.

It's one of the reasons this lightened-up creamy pasta keeps you satisfied on Weight Watchers without blowing your daily points! Pairing al dente pasta with lean protein or veggies (like the spinach in this recipe) makes the meal even more filling and blood-sugar friendly.

Make sure try some of my other popular healthy Weight Watcher recipes.  Low Calorie Wendy's Frosty, 3 Ingredient Cinnamon Muffins , Mini DASH Chaffles, Air Fryer Beignets and The WW Zero Point Apple Crisp Chips.

Why You'll Love This Lightened-Up Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe

Weight Watcher Friendly - This easy garlic pasta dish is only 6 WW point on my WW app for one delicious serving.

Since the new Weight Watchers plan is personalized you will have to input the ingredients used into your WW app to get your exact WW points.

All the Creamy Comfort, None of the Guilt
You get that rich, velvety garlic sauce you crave - without heavy cream or excess calories. This lightened-up version uses simple, wholesome ingredients that keep it creamy, satisfying, and Weight Watchers-friendly.

One Pot, Minimal Cleanup
Everything cooks in one pot, from the pasta to the sauce! You'll love how easy this recipe is for busy weeknights - no juggling multiple pans or long prep times. Just cook, toss, and serve.

Customizable & Family-Approved
Keep it classic with garlic and parmesan, or add your favorite veggies, chicken, or shrimp for extra protein. It's a quick and cozy pasta dinner everyone will love.

KITCHEN TOOLS NEEDED...

I used my favorite Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Stockpot for this recipe - it heats evenly and keeps the sauce perfectly creamy without burning. You can check it out here on Amazon.

Ingredients You'll Need (and Easy Substitutions!)

Here are some of the things you'll need to make this Lightened Up One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta - plus a few ways to tweak it to fit your pantry or preferences!

Pasta:
We used regular linguine, but this recipe works with just about any pasta shape you love - spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or rotini. If you want to boost the nutrition, try whole wheat, chickpea, or protein pasta for extra fiber and protein.

Unsweetened Almond Milk:
To keep the sauce light without losing creaminess, use unsweetened almond milk. You can also swap it for oat milk or low-fat milk - just make sure it's unsweetened to avoid any unwanted sweetness in your savory sauce.

Half and Half:
A small amount of half and half adds richness without being heavy. If you prefer an even lighter sauce, use evaporated milk or an extra splash of almond milk.

Light Cream Cheese:
This is the secret ingredient that gives the sauce its silky, creamy texture while keeping it light. You can also use Neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Fresh Spinach:
Adding fresh baby spinach boosts the nutrition and color of this dish. You can substitute with frozen spinach (just thaw and squeeze out excess water) or toss in kale or arugula for a little variation.

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

1: Saute Garlic - In a Dutch Oven/Stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2: Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth, almond milk, and half and half. Stir to combine, then add uncooked pasta and seasonings. If using linguine or spaghetti you will have to break in half to fit in the pot.

3: Simmer - Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens naturally.

4: Add Cheese and Spinach : Stir in Parmesan and Cream Cheese until melted and creamy. Add spinach and let wilt for 1-2 minutes.

5: Serve : Top with more parmesan and fresh parsley before serving warm.

Watch the How to Make One-Pot Garlic Pasta Video Here...

Expert Tips for the Best One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta (Cooking, Storage & Meal Prep)

1. Use the right pot size.
Choose a large, wide skillet or Dutch oven so the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid without clumping.

2. Toast the garlic first.
Let the garlic cook in the olive oil for 1-2 minutes before adding liquids. This deepens the flavor and gives the dish its signature garlicky richness.

3. Don't skip the simmer.
Keep the pasta at a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil. It helps the sauce thicken slowly and prevents scorching on the bottom.

4. Stir often for a creamier texture.
Because this is a one-pot pasta, stirring helps release the pasta's starch into the sauce, making it naturally creamy without heavy cream.

5. Adjust the liquid gradually.
If the pasta is still firm but most liquid has been absorbed, add ¼ cup warm water or broth at a time until it reaches perfect al dente.

6. Use room-temperature dairy.
Add the light cream cheese and half & half at room temp so they melt evenly and don't seize or curdle.

7. Add spinach at the end.
Stir spinach in during the last minute of cooking to keep it bright green and tender instead of overcooked.

8. Brighten with lemon.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving balances the creamy sauce and boosts flavor without adding calories.

9. Storage made easy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add a splash of almond milk or broth when reheating to bring the sauce back to life.

10. Meal prep tip.
This pasta makes great meal-prep lunches. Divide into individual containers, keep spinach separate if you prefer it fresher, and reheat at medium heat with a tiny bit of liquid to maintain creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lightened Up One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

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Are you a Weight Watcher?

If you follow my Blog you probably already know I am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers and I like to point all of my Recipes with the WW Points System.

This Easy Lightened Up One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta Recipe is only 6 Points on my app for a one cup serving.  Weight Watchers has a new individualized program right now to make it easier to enjoy the foods you love and still lose weight.

Just plug the ingredients into your WW app to confirm the points for your individual program.

I used to go back and forth between the Purple Plan and the Blue Plan prior to the new program and whenever I hit a plateau I did my own 30 Day Low Carb Meal Plan which jumpstarted the Fat Burning again, so if you feel stuck try it.

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