Creamy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Whipping up a delectable one pot garlic parmesan pasta promises a culinary adventure that simplifies dinner without sacrificing flavor.

Creamy textures and rich aromatics meld together in a single pan, creating magic with minimal cleanup.

Weeknight meals can feel mundane, but this recipe injects excitement into your kitchen routine.

Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious depth that makes every bite irresistible.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques mean you can master this dish quickly.

Busy cooks will appreciate how effortlessly these ingredients transform into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Prepare to savor every comforting, cheesy forkful of this incredibly satisfying pasta.

Tasty Pairings For One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Crisp Chardonnay Companion: Select a buttery, medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak notes that beautifully complements the creamy pasta's rich cheese and garlic flavors.
• Fresh Green Salad Partner: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide a refreshing contrast with its peppery undertones.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, crispy garlic bread with a golden, buttery crust that perfectly absorbs the creamy sauce and adds delightful textural dimension to the meal.
• Herbal White Wine Enhancer: Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio with herbal hints that will refresh the palate and balance the pasta's creamy, cheesy profile without overwhelming its delicate flavors.

How To Store One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta The Right Way

• Store leftovers in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate sauce from any remaining pasta to prevent sogginess.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Pasta will maintain quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a small amount of broth or cream to revive the sauce's creamy texture.

One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Questions Answered

• How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Stir the pasta frequently during cooking and ensure there’s enough liquid in the skillet. The broth helps keep the pasta separated and prevents clumping.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells work best for one-pan recipes. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, which can be challenging to cook evenly.

• What if my sauce looks too thin?

Let the pasta sit for a few minutes after cooking. The sauce will naturally thicken as it cools and the cheese settles. If needed, cook uncovered for an extra minute to reduce liquid.

Why One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Makes Weeknights Better

• Simplify Meal Prep: Chop ingredients beforehand to create a smooth, stress-free cooking experience that saves time and reduces kitchen chaos.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Cook everything in a single skillet, minimizing dirty dishes and making cleanup a breeze while creating a deliciously creamy pasta dish.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust seasonings like red pepper flakes or swap cheeses to match your taste preferences, making this recipe perfectly adaptable for different palates.
• Quick Family Favorite: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in under a half-hour that satisfies both kids and adults, transforming weeknight dinners into something special.

What Goes In One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Pasta: A quick-cooking ingredient that forms the base of this creamy one-pan dish.

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the pasta and adds depth to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: These ingredients create a rich, smooth, and creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

• Garlic, Onion: Fresh vegetables that provide a foundational flavor and aromatic base for the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Parsley, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the pasta.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.

How To Make One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta In Minutes

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Chop garlic into tiny pieces and slice onions into small cubes. Having everything ready before cooking makes the entire process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Sizzle the Onions

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Toss onions into the pan and cook until they become translucent and release a delightful aroma, which takes around 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the skillet. Quickly stir to prevent burning and unleash those incredible flavors that make this dish magical.

Step 4: Build the Pasta Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the skillet. Add uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s mostly covered by the liquid for perfect cooking.

Step 5: Season with Flair

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried parsley
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly across the dish.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Let the pasta simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally. Cook until the liquid is mostly absorbed and pasta reaches that ideal al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes.

Step 7: Create Creamy Magic

Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Gently stir to develop a luxurious, smooth base.

Step 8: Melt the Cheese

• Grated parmesan
• Shredded mozzarella

Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely, creating a silky, dreamy sauce.

Step 9: Let It Rest

Remove from heat and allow the pasta to rest for 2-3 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and settle into pure deliciousness.

Step 10: Serve and Celebrate

Plate immediately. Optional: Sprinkle extra parmesan and parsley on top for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Tips To Keep One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Creamy

• Prep Like a Pro: Gather and chop all ingredients before starting to cook for a smooth, stress-free cooking experience.
• Control the Heat: Keep medium-low heat to prevent burning garlic and onions, ensuring rich, developed flavors without bitterness.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats pasta perfectly.
• Texture Perfection: Stir pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and achieve that ideal al dente consistency.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a delicious vegan version.

Flavorful Spins On One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and swap mozzarella with plant-based cheese for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Seafood Remix: Substitute chicken broth with clam juice and add cooked shrimp or crab meat for a maritime-inspired pasta dish.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy flavor profile.

One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta promises a comforting Italian-inspired meal that simplifies weeknight dinners. Rich parmesan and garlic meld seamlessly, offering you a delightful culinary experience with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Base:

• 454 g / 1 lb spaghetti or fettuccine
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion

Dairy and Cheese:

• 120 ml / 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 120 g / 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 60 g / 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 30 ml / 2 tbsp olive oil
• 470 ml / 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Finely mince garlic and dice onion, preparing all ingredients before cooking to streamline the process.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, sautéing onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
4. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, immediately adding uncooked pasta and ensuring it’s mostly submerged in liquid.
5. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and optional red pepper flakes over the pasta, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
6. Simmer pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until liquid is mostly absorbed and pasta reaches al dente texture, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Reduce heat to low, pour in heavy cream, and stir gently to create a smooth, creamy base.
8. Gradually incorporate grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and forms a silky sauce.
9. Remove from heat, allowing pasta to rest for 2-3 minutes to help sauce thicken and settle.
10. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley if desired.

Notes

• Prep Ingredients Beforehand to save time and ensure smooth cooking process, having everything chopped and measured ready to go.
• Control Garlic Carefully to prevent burning, which can create bitter taste; add quickly and stir constantly when introducing to hot skillet.
• Adjust Liquid Ratio for different pasta types, as some absorb more liquid than others; keep extra broth nearby in case pasta needs more moisture during cooking.
• Customize Dietary Needs by substituting ingredients like using gluten-free pasta, vegetable broth for vegetarian version, or dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg