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Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

creamy one-pot garlic parmesan pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pot pasta recipe featuring a luscious, garlicky, and cheesy sauce made with simple pantry staples. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) pasta (penne or rotini recommended, spaghetti works too)
  • 4 cups (960ml) chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (half-and-half can substitute)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (100g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Gather your ingredients: Measure out pasta, broth, cream, and have your garlic minced and parmesan grated. Prep saves time later! (5 minutes)
  2. Melt butter and sauté garlic: In your large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
  3. Add broth and cream: Pour in 4 cups broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine.
  4. Add pasta and bring to a boil: Add the dry pasta to the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high until the liquid boils. Stir gently to prevent sticking. (1-2 minutes)
  5. Simmer and stir frequently: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered. Stir every few minutes to keep pasta from sticking and cook evenly. The pasta will absorb the liquid and the sauce will thicken. (10-15 minutes)
  6. Check pasta doneness: Taste a piece after about 12 minutes. It should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). If needed, add a splash more broth or water and continue cooking.
  7. Remove from heat and add parmesan: Stir in 1 cup grated parmesan cheese while the pasta is hot. The cheese will melt into a creamy sauce.
  8. Season with salt and pepper: Taste and adjust seasoning carefully—parmesan and broth add saltiness naturally.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for freshness. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Use enough liquid to ensure pasta cooks properly and sauce forms well. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning. Freshly grated parmesan melts better than pre-grated. Adjust seasoning gradually due to saltiness from broth and cheese. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and parmesan with nutritional yeast. Gluten-free pasta can be used without changing method. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, garlic parmesan pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/creamy-one-pot-garlic-parmesan-pasta-easy-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/