One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

🍝 One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta — Creamy, Dreamy, and Done in One!

 

Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food: One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta. This dish is a beautiful blend of simplicity and indulgence — creamy, cheesy, and rich with the aromatic warmth of garlic. Made entirely in one pot (yes, even the pasta cooks in the same pot!), It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the cleanup chaos.

The pasta absorbs all the flavors as it simmers in the garlicky, buttery sauce, resulting in a silky, cheesy, perfectly seasoned bowl of deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for your family, treating yourself, or preparing a quick meal for guests, this recipe promises big flavor with minimal effort.

Made with pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a staple for every home cook who loves fast comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor. And because it’s just one pot, you’ll spend more time enjoying and less time scrubbing.

🧾 Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter

• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 3 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarians)

• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)

• 12 oz (340g) fettuccine or spaghetti

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional, but recommended)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Red chili flakes (optional, for a kick)

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

 

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👩‍🍳 Execution — How to Make It

 

1. Sauté the Garlic:
   In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t brown it — just golden and aromatic).

2. Add Liquid & Pasta:
   Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Simmer gently, then add the pasta. Use tongs to gently move it around to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat slightly.

3. Simmer & Stir:
   Let the pasta cook uncovered, stirring frequently to avoid clumping and ensure even cooking. This should take about 12–15 minutes until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

4. Add Cheese & Season:
   Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.

5. Garnish & Serve:
   Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, chili flakes, and a bit of lemon zest if you like a fresh touch. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

 

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💡 Additional Tips from the Chef’s Notebook

 

• Use freshly grated Parmesan — pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly and may cause clumping.

• Don’t skip the garlic — it’s the soul of this dish.

• Want more richness? Add a splash of heavy cream or a knob of cream cheese near the end.

• Add-ins that shine: Try tossing in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, grilled chicken, or shrimp.

• Make it vegan? Use plant-based milk, veggie broth, and vegan parmesan-style cheese.

• Storage: Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.. Add a splash of milk when reheating to revive the creaminess.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

 

Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)

 

 

Calories: 380-450 kcal
Protein: 14g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 500mg
Cholesterol: 40mg
Calcium: 150mg
Iron: 2mg

(Note: These values are estimates and will vary depending on specific ingredient brands and serving sizes.)

A Taste of Tradition

 

This One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe takes inspiration from classic Italian flavors, with the rich combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese that’s been used in countless pasta dishes throughout history. The creamy texture of the sauce, combined with the slight tanginess of the Parmesan, evokes the traditional pasta al burro (pasta with butter) but with a modern, garlicky twist. It’s an elegant yet simple way to bring the essence of Italian comfort food into your own home!

Customization Options

 

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are some ways you can make it your own:

1. Protein Add-ins:

   • Chicken: Sautéed chicken breasts or thighs are a great addition if you want to make this a heartier meal.

   • Shrimp: Adding shrimp will give the dish a luxurious, seafood twist.

   • Bacon or Pancetta: For a smoky, salty flavor, crispy bacon or pancetta bits work wonderfully.

   • Tofu or Tempeh: For a vegetarian option, crispy tofu or tempeh can be added for protein.

2. Vegetable Variations:

   • Spinach: Stir in some fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of nutrients and a pop of color.

   • Mushrooms: Adding sautéed mushrooms can provide an earthy flavor that pairs well with garlic and cheese.

   • Peas: Frozen peas are a quick way to add a bit of sweetness and color.

3. Cheese Swap:

   • You can use Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or Grana Padano in place of Parmesan for a slightly different flavor profile.

   • For a creamier version, a little bit of cream cheese or heavy cream can be stirred in with the butter.

4. Herbs & Spices:

   • Red Pepper Flakes: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing.

   • Fresh Basil or Oregano: Fresh herbs added at the end can give the dish a burst of freshness.

   • Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest or juice can add brightness to the flavor.

5. Vegan Version:

   • Swap the butter for olive oil and the Parmesan for vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast. This will make the dish plant-based but still flavorful.

 

 

Final Thoughts:

This dish is a perfect blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Whether you stick to the original recipe or make it your own, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Happy Cooking

Diana

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