If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful dinner that won’t have you buried in a mountain of dishes, you’ve just struck gold with this Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe. It’s everything you love about classic Italian comfort food, combined into one easy-to-make, stunningly delicious pasta dish. With a luscious blend of garlic, parmesan cheese, and a rich cream sauce all cooked in one pot, this recipe brings together simplicity and satisfaction in the best possible way. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or craving something indulgent yet fuss-free, this recipe guarantees a bowl full of flavor that feels homemade and fresh every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating magic in your kitchen. The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each component adds a unique touch — from the fragrant garlic and creamy parmesan to the herbaceous Italian seasoning that rounds it all out.
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine: Choose your favorite shape; long noodles are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth): This is the liquid base that cooks the pasta and infuses it with flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brings out the richness of the garlic as it sautés and adds a subtle fruity note.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the heart of this recipe, delivering that unmistakable aromatic punch.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that melts into a silky, cheesy sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk: Adds creaminess and balances the sharpness of the cheese.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Enriches the sauce with a velvety texture and depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Brings a herbal warmth that complements the garlic and cheese perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to bring out and balance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, green pop of color and brightness to the dish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sauté gently for about 1 to 2 minutes until you can smell that irresistible fragrance wafting through your kitchen. This quick step wakes up the garlic’s flavor without letting it brown or become bitter.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Bring to Boil
Now, pour in the vegetable broth. This liquid will become the cooking bath for your pasta, so bringing it to a rolling boil is key to getting spaghetti or fettuccine perfectly tender. Watch as the broth bubbles and gets ready for the next step.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Right in the Pot
Add your pasta straight into the boiling broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The brilliant part about this Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe is that you won’t need to drain it afterward—because the cooking liquid turns into your sauce. Keep an eye on the pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente.
Step 4: Stir in Creamy Goodness
Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, turn the heat down to low. Stir in the butter, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Watch that cheese melt into the sauce, creating a smooth, luscious coating. This is where the pasta transforms from simple to simply divine.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to your taste. Let everything simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes. This brief simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken just enough to cling to every delicious strand of pasta.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove your pot from the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. This final touch adds freshness, color, and a hint of brightness that balances the creaminess. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is classic, but you can also sprinkle some extra grated parmesan or cracked black pepper for a rustic feel. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a few chili flakes for a hint of heat or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for extra richness.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables to add texture and freshness. For a heartier meal, garlic bread or grilled chicken breast are phenomenal companions.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate the presentation, serve the pasta in warm bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens. For a cozy dinner party vibe, pile the pasta high and allow everyone to help themselves from a beautiful serving dish right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep nicely for up to 3 days, maintaining most of that luscious creaminess if stored properly.
Freezing
While freezing pasta with cream sauces is generally not recommended due to texture changes, if you must freeze, use an airtight container and consume within one month. Thaw gently in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You might want to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce and keep that creamy texture intact. Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or fettuccine work beautifully, feel free to try penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you love. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the parmesan cheese and heavy cream for dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast and coconut cream, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different.
Can I add protein to this Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe?
Yes! Adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon can turn this pasta into a full meal with extra protein.
What if I don’t have vegetable broth on hand?
Chicken broth works great as a substitute, or you can make a quick homemade broth with bouillon cubes if needed.
How do I achieve the perfect creamy texture without the sauce becoming too thick?
Keep an eye on the simmering time and stir frequently. If the sauce gets too thick, thin it out with a splash more broth or milk until you get the consistency you desire.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites for its quick prep, minimal cleanup, and absolutely dreamy flavor. You get that comforting creamy sauce with rich parmesan and garlic depths, all cooked together with ease. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to be a regular go-to for weeknights or any time you crave a bit of indulgence. So, grab your pot, your favorite pasta, and dive into this utterly satisfying dish—you won’t regret a single bite!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a delicious one-pot meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Combining al dente spaghetti and a savory blend of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, it requires minimal cleanup and comes together in just 20 minutes. The rich, velvety sauce is enhanced with butter and cream, offering a comforting and satisfying dish that can be customized with your choice of vegetable or chicken broth.
Ingredients
Pasta and Broth
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
Flavorings and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Garlic: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Broth and Bring to Boil: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, setting the stage for cooking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta in Broth: Add the spaghetti or fettuccine to the boiling broth. Cook according to the pasta package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Do not drain the liquid as it will form the base of your sauce.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked al dente, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the unsalted butter, heavy cream or milk, and grated parmesan cheese until the butter melts and the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
- Season the Pasta: Add the dried Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper to your preference, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Simmer to Thicken: Allow the pasta and sauce to simmer gently for 1-2 minutes. This lets the sauce thicken slightly and cling perfectly to the noodles.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the pasta for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Using vegetable broth keeps this dish vegetarian-friendly; chicken broth can be used for added flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with milk or a lower-fat alternative.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to prevent bitterness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Adding cooked vegetables or grilled chicken can turn this into a more substantial meal.
