One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta offers a creamy, delightful Italian dining experience, complete with a smooth garlic parmesan sauce that's truly irresistible. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for both lunch and dinner. It's ready in just under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings serving

Calories 364

Author Sangeetha Vel

Ingredients

8 oz Angel Hair Pasta
3 tbsp Butter unsalted
3 tbsp Garlic minced
2 cup Chicken Broth or veg broth
1 cup Milk full fat
Salt as needed
½ tsp Oregano dried
½ tsp Parsley dried
½ tsp Pepper Powder
¼ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
Parsley to garnish

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Making Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Start by heating some unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Make sure it melts evenly to coat the bottom.
Toss in minced garlic and sauté until it's fragrant, which will give your butter a lovely garlic flavor.
Based on your preference, add either chicken or vegetable broth, and give it a good stir to mix well with the garlic butter. This step will start forming the base of your sauce.
Gradually pour in full-fat milk, stirring continuously to blend it smoothly with the broth. For an extra creamy texture, feel free to use half-and-half instead.
Season the mixture with dried oregano, parsley, and a bit of black pepper. Remember to be cautious with the salt, especially if your broth is already salty.
Slowly submerge the pasta using a spatula to accommodate its length. Let the pasta cook until it's tender and the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Let the pasta cook until it’s tender and the sauce thickens, which should take about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Mix in Parmesan cheese to get that beautiful cheesy consistency, and adjust the sauce's thickness with a splash bit of warm milk if needed.
Finish off by sprinkling some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness before serving. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Pasta!

Serving

Enjoy this creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with roasted green beans, garlic butter chicken, Parmesan wings, or your favorite sides. For more pairing ideas, be sure to check out our serving suggestions below.

Notes

Here are my helpful tips to enhance your Garlic Parmesan Pasta experience:

Sauce Flexibility: You can prepare the garlic parmesan sauce ahead of time—it's a great way to save time during busy weekdays. This versatile sauce works well with any type of pasta you might have. For detailed instructions, check out my garlic parmesan sauce recipe on the blog.
Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can really elevate the dish, adding just the right amount of warmth to balance the creamy richness of the sauce. Feel free to experiment with the amount to suit your taste.
Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: Whenever possible, opt for fresh herbs. Fresh herbs like parsley and oregano deliver a vibrant burst of flavor that dried herbs just don't match. If you need to use dried herbs, keep in mind they are stronger. Use them in smaller amounts—the general rule of thumb is to use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every 3 teaspoons of fresh herbs. This ratio helps keep the flavors well-balanced in your dishes.
Pasta Salad Idea: One of my favorite tricks is turning leftovers into a Garlic Parmesan Pasta Salad. Just add fresh veggies like spinach, mushrooms, and carrots, along with some shredded chicken, for a refreshing meal that’s perfect for lunch the next day.
Protein Options: Adding proteins like chicken, salmon or shrimp, or a colorful variety of vegetables, not only boosts the nutrition but also brings vibrant flavors and textures to the dish.
Oven-Baked Variation: For a cozy twist, I sometimes bake the pasta instead of boiling it. Just combine uncooked pasta with garlic, butter, broth, milk, and herbs in a baking dish and bake at 360°F for 30-35 minutes. Stir in the cheese and parsley at the end for that perfect cheesy crust.

Nutrition

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