Save Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Milk Pasta One-Pot. This cozy, comforting dish is cooked directly in milk, which infuses every noodle with richness and creates a luxuriously creamy sauce with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Save The secret to this dish lies in the cooking method. By simmering the pasta directly in whole milk, the starch from the pasta combines with the dairy to produce a naturally thick and velvety sauce that is far superior to standard boiled pasta.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni
- Milk: 1 liter (4 cups) whole milk
- Butter: 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
- Cheese: 60 g (2/3 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Aromatics: 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and an optional pinch of nutmeg
- Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic
- In a large, deep skillet or wide saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Milk
- Pour in the milk and bring just to a gentle simmer, taking care not to let it boil.
- Cook Pasta
- Add the pasta, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Stir well to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Thicken
- Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 12–15 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the milk has thickened into a creamy sauce.
- Finish Sauce
- Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce is silky. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Serve
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For added richness, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone at the end. Make sure to stir frequently during the simmering process to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this dish by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition. For those who prefer a non-vegetarian version, tossing in some cooked bacon or diced ham adds a wonderful smoky flavor.
Serviervorschläge
This rich and creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio. Serve it alongside a light green salad to balance the decadence of the milk-based sauce.
Save Whether it's a busy weeknight or a slow weekend in, this Creamy Milk Pasta One-Pot is the perfect solution for a satisfying, high-flavor meal with minimal fuss. Enjoy the silky texture and the simple elegance of this one-pan wonder!
Cooking Q&A
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta works well—penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle. The key is using pasta that won't stick easily and will hold the creamy sauce nicely.
- → What if my sauce thickens too quickly?
Simply add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency. Stir frequently throughout cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent the milk from scorching.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute whole milk with oat milk or coconut milk, use dairy-free butter, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The sauce will be slightly different but still delicious.
- → How can I add more flavor to this dish?
Consider stirring in cream cheese or mascarpone for extra richness, adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for vegetables, or tossing in cooked bacon or ham for a non-vegetarian option.
- → Why is nutmeg important in this dish?
Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth that complements creamy sauces beautifully, a classic pairing in Italian cuisine. It's optional but enhances the overall flavor profile.
- → Can this be reheated?
Yes, leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid high heat, which may cause the sauce to separate.