Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe
Introduction
This Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With tender angel hair pasta simmered in a garlicky, cheesy sauce, it’s comfort food made effortlessly.
Ingredients
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz. angel hair pasta
- Fresh parsley (to garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Grate the Parmesan cheese and set it aside to reach room temperature. This helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Step 2: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large skillet.
- Step 3: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, then slowly add the milk while stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 5: Add the angel hair pasta to the skillet. You can break the noodles in half for easier fit or let them soften and use kitchen tongs to push them into the liquid.
- Step 6: Let the pasta simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to low once the pasta is nearly tender.
- Step 7: Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, tossing the pasta to coat evenly.
- Step 8: Gradually add the grated Parmesan, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and combined. The sauce will thicken as it stands.
- Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with garlic bread or your favorite side.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor; pre-grated cheese can affect the sauce texture.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and heartiness.
- Be careful not to overcook the angel hair pasta, as it softens quickly and can become mushy.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, but cooking times will vary. Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly, so if you use a thicker pasta, you may need to adjust the simmer time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free milk alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
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Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is made in one pot for easy cleanup and fast preparation. Featuring tender angel hair pasta simmered in a flavorful mixture of butter, garlic, chicken broth, and milk, then finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this comforting dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or cozy meal. The sauce thickens beautifully as it stands, delivering rich, cheesy goodness with every bite.
Ingredients
Cheese and Butter
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
Other Ingredients
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 8 oz. angel hair pasta
- Fresh parsley (to garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Parmesan Cheese: Grate the Parmesan cheese finely and set it aside at room temperature to allow better melting later in the recipe.
- Sauté Garlic: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids and Bring to Boil: Pour in the chicken broth followed by the milk gradually while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to prepare the cooking liquid for the pasta.
- Add Pasta: Add the angel hair pasta to the skillet. Break the noodles in half if needed to fit. As the pasta softens, use kitchen tongs to gently twist and submerge all strands in the liquid.
- Simmer Pasta: Let the pasta simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Keep a close watch since angel hair pasta cooks quickly. Then reduce the heat to low.
- Finish with Butter and Cheese: Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to coat the pasta evenly. Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Remember the sauce will be thin initially but will thicken upon standing.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately alongside your favorite garlic bread with cheese for a complete meal.
Notes
- Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly; follow package directions and monitor closely to prevent overcooking and clumpy noodles.
- Breaking the pasta in half before cooking helps it fit better in the skillet and cooks more evenly.
- The sauce will appear thin right after cooking but thickens as the pasta absorbs more liquid while it rests.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated types, improving the sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Pasta, One Pot Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Quick Pasta Dinner, Angel Hair Pasta Recipe, Easy Italian Pasta
