Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish combining garlic, parmesan, and cream for a comforting and creamy meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450 g) pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- 4 cups (960 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: mince the garlic and grate the parmesan. Measure out broth and cream so everything’s ready to go (about 5 minutes).
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not browned (about 2 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer (3-4 minutes).
- Add the dry pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pan.
- Simmer the pasta for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth or water if liquid gets too low before pasta is tender.
- Remove the lid, stir in the grated parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. The cheese will melt into the sauce.
- Adjust sauce consistency by adding a tablespoon or two of broth or cream if it seems too thick.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for best melt and flavor. Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If sauce thickens too much after resting, add a splash of broth or milk when reheating. Substitute whole milk plus flour for heavy cream for a lighter sauce. For vegan/dairy-free, use vegetable broth, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup pasta with sau
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: one-pot pasta, garlic parmesan pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe