Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!)
Discover the ultimate weeknight convenience with this luxurious One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, intensely flavorful meal that's ready in under 30 minutes, all while keeping cleanup to a minimum. It's comfort food at its finest, perfect for a busy evening.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Requires only one pot, making cleanup incredibly easy.
- Delivers a rich, creamy, and satisfying flavor profile in minimal time.
- Perfect for busy weeknights, ready from start to finish in under 30 minutes.
- Made with simple, accessible ingredients found in most pantries.
- A comforting dish that appeals to both adults and children alike.
Ingredients
- 55 grams (½ cup) Parmesan cheese, finely grated, plus more for garnish
- 45 grams (3 Tablespoons) unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced (approximately 20g)
- 470 milliliters (2 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
- 240 milliliters (1 cup) whole milk
- 225 grams (8 oz.) angel hair pasta
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
Instructions
- Begin by finely grating your Parmesan cheese. Set it aside at room temperature while you prepare the other components; this allows it to melt more smoothly into the sauce later.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, melt 30 grams (2 tablespoons) of the butter over medium heat. Ensure the butter is fully melted and shimmering but not browned.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Pour in the chicken broth. If using, stir in any optional seasoning mix like a pinch of dried Italian herbs. Slowly add the milk, stirring continuously to combine all liquids. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the angel hair pasta noodles to the boiling liquid. Angel hair pasta is long, so you may break the strands in half to fit them better into the skillet, or allow them to soften for a moment, then use kitchen tongs to gently twist and submerge them into the liquid.
- Let the pasta simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, or according to the package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together or to the bottom of the pan. Angel hair cooks very quickly, so set a timer to avoid overcooking. Once the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low.
- Add the remaining 15 grams (1 tablespoon) of butter to the warm pasta and gently toss to coat the noodles, adding richness and a glossy finish.
- Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly as you add it. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the sauce. The sauce will appear thin at first but will thicken beautifully as it stands.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven (with lid, if preferred)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater for Parmesan cheese
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Garlic press or sharp knife for mincing garlic
- Tongs (optional, for pasta)
Essential Success Tips
- Do not overcrowd your skillet. Ensure it is large enough to comfortably hold the pasta and liquid for even cooking.
- Stir the pasta frequently during simmering to prevent it from clumping together and to ensure it cooks evenly in the sauce.
- Use finely grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts much more smoothly and tastes better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Add the Parmesan cheese gradually, off the heat or over very low heat, stirring constantly to create a silky, lump-free sauce. High heat can make cheese seize.
- Serve immediately. One-pot pastas continue to absorb liquid as they sit, so for the best texture and sauciness, enjoy it fresh off the stove.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the minced garlic in the butter until just golden before adding liquids. This brings out its aromatic qualities without bitterness.
- Instead of just milk, consider using a mix of milk and a splash of heavy cream for an even richer, more luxurious sauce consistency and mouthfeel.
- To elevate the umami, a teaspoon of white miso paste dissolved in the chicken broth before simmering can add incredible depth without altering the classic flavor profile.
Notes
- Angel hair pasta cooks exceptionally quickly. Pay close attention to the cooking time listed on the package to avoid overcooking, which can lead to mushy, clumpy noodles.
- The sauce will initially appear thin after adding the cheese, but it will thicken considerably as it stands and as the pasta continues to absorb the liquid. Don't be tempted to add more cheese or flour prematurely.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other thin, quick-cooking pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts slightly. Thicker pastas will require more liquid and longer cooking.
What can I add to make this dish heartier?
To add protein, consider stirring in cooked shredded chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans (cannellini or great northern) during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing them to warm through.
Can I make this dairy-free?
While the core flavor comes from Parmesan and butter, you could try substituting plant-based butter, a creamy dairy-free milk alternative (like cashew or oat milk), and a good quality dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The texture and flavor will be different but still delicious.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 550, Protein: 25g, Fat: 28g, Carbs: 55g, Sodium: 850mg (approximate per serving, without optional seasoning)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy and gluten. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free angel hair pasta. To reduce dairy, consider using a dairy-free milk alternative and omitting the butter and Parmesan, though this will significantly alter the dish's flavor profile.
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