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
Scale
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.
