Easy 10-Minute One-Pan Milk Butter Pasta (Ramen-Simple Creamy Pasta)

 🍝 Intro: Craving a rich, velvety cream pasta but don't want to wash multiple pots or buy expensive heavy cream? This One-Pan Milk Butter Pasta is as easy to make as instant ramen! Using just milk, butter, garlic, and a single pan, you can whip up a comforting, restaurant-quality Korean-style cream pasta in under 10 minutes.

📋 Ingredients & Measurement Chart (Korean Rice Spoon Standard)

Measurement Note: All spoon measurements in this recipe refer to a standard Korean Rice Spoon for authentic home-style precision (1 tbsp liquid = 8 ml, 1 heaping tbsp minced garlic = 30 g).

Ingredient	Spoon Measure (Korean Rice Spoon)	Metric	US System	Notes & Substitutes
Water	-	500 ml	17 fl oz	Base liquid for boiling pasta directly
Milk	-	300 ml	10 fl oz	Whole milk recommended for rich texture
Spaghetti Noodles	-	1 serving (100 g)	3.5 oz	Uncooked dried spaghetti
Unsalted Butter	-	40 g	1.4 oz	Adds creamy depth and body
Salt	1 pinch	1 pinch	1 pinch	Enhances overall savory flavor
Tuna Sauce (Chamchi-Aek)	1 tbsp	8 ml	0.27 fl oz	Secret K-flavor umami booster (or Fish Sauce)
Garlic	1 clove (or 1 tsp minced)	1 clove	1 clove	Freshly grated or finely minced
Black Pepper & Truffle Oil	To taste	To taste	To taste	Truffle oil is optional for a gourmet twist

🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Base & Noodles Prep

1. Add Liquids & Noodles: In a deep pan or wok, pour 500 ml of water and 300 ml of milk. Add 1 serving (100 g) of uncooked spaghetti noodles, gently twisting and fanning them out so they don't stick together.

1. Add Initial Seasonings & Simmer: Place 40 g butter, 1 pinch of salt, and 1 tbsp Tuna Sauce (Chamchi-Aek) directly over the noodles. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes over medium heat until the liquid reduces into a creamy sauce.

• ⚠️ Important Tip: Milk easily boils over! Do not cover the pan with a lid while simmering.

Step 2: Garlic Finishing Touch

1. Add Garlic at the End: Once the sauce turns thick and velvety, turn off the heat. Grate 1 clove of fresh garlic (or add 1 tsp minced garlic) directly into the pasta, then turn the heat back on briefly to bring it to a quick final simmer.

• 💡 Chef's Secret: Garlic aromatics evaporate quickly under prolonged heat. Adding garlic at the very end locks in its vibrant flavor!

Step 3: Garnish & Serve

1. Season & Drizzle: Remove from heat. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and drizzle a few drops of truffle oil if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy!

💡 Recipe FAQ & Pro Tips

What is Tuna Sauce (Chamchi-Aek)?

Chamchi-Aek is a popular Korean liquid condiment made from concentrated tuna extract. It adds a deep savory umami flavor to soups and sauces without any fishy taste. If unavailable, substitute with liquid fish sauce, dashi soy sauce, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

How do I prevent the milk sauce from curdling or boiling over?

Keep the pan uncovered at all times and maintain a gentle medium-low simmer once it reaches a boil.

🍽️ More Easy One-Pan Recipes You'll Love!

• 🥓 15-Minute Bacon Japchae: Looking for another quick one-pan K-noodle meal? Try my [15-Minute One-Pan Bacon Japchae Recipe]! 🍝

• 🍜 $2 Instant Ramen Hack: If you love super simple noodle hacks like this pasta, check out this [$2 Instant Ramen to Korean Jajangmyeon Hack] next! 🔥