One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Dreamy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delightful one pot garlic parmesan pasta brings pure comfort right to your kitchen table.

Creamy textures and rich flavors merge effortlessly in this simple meal.

Pasta lovers will adore how quickly everything comes together with minimal cleanup.

Cheese melts into a smooth sauce that coats each noodle perfectly.

Garlic adds an incredible depth that makes this dish irresistible.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of taste in just one pan.

You won’t believe how something so easy can taste so incredible.

Let’s dive into this culinary adventure that promises to become your new weeknight favorite.

Variations for One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

  • Spicy Chili Pasta: Add red pepper flakes and diced jalapeños for a fiery kick. Use pepper jack cheese instead of Parmesan for extra heat.
  • Mediterranean Herb Pasta: Mix in fresh basil, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a veggie-friendly version.
  • Seafood Garlic Pasta: Incorporate shrimp or crab meat during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Swap heavy cream with light cream for a lighter texture.
  • Mushroom Truffle Pasta: Sauté wild mushrooms before adding to the pot. Drizzle truffle oil on top and use pecorino cheese for an earthy, luxurious flavor.

Pairing Ideas for One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

  • Pair Zesty White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy pasta, balancing rich Parmesan flavors with its bright, citrusy notes.
  • Complement with Herbed Chicken Salad: Light, fresh chicken salad with herbs provides a protein-packed side that enhances the pasta's garlicky profile.
  • Match Fresh Bruschetta: Tomato-based bruschetta adds bright, acidic contrast to the creamy pasta, creating a delightful flavor balance.
  • Serve Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus with a touch of lemon zest brings a crisp, green element that refreshes the palate between creamy pasta bites.

Storage Advice for One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta remains fresh and safe to eat.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces as they may separate when thawed.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water or broth to prevent sticking.

FAQs for One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, the recipe contains chicken broth. To make it vegetarian, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with other long pasta like linguine or spaghetti. Just ensure cooking times match the pasta type.

  • What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute, though the sauce might be slightly less rich and creamy.

  • How can I add more protein to this dish?

Consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or grilled tofu to make the pasta more substantial and protein-packed.

What Makes One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta So Easy and Flavorful

  • Simplify Cooking: Eliminate multiple pots and pans with this one-pot wonder that transforms dinner preparation into a hassle-free experience.
  • Flavor-Packed Comfort: Indulge in a creamy, garlicky pasta that delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your own kitchen without complicated techniques.
  • Quick Family Meal: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together faster than ordering takeout and satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its cheesy, rich profile.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Enjoy a delicious meal without dreading a sink full of dishes, making this recipe a smart choice for home cooks seeking convenience and deliciousness.

Ingredients for One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Fettuccine: A long, flat pasta that provides the base for this creamy one-pot dish.
  • Chicken Broth: The liquid that helps cook the pasta and infuse flavor throughout the recipe.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A hard Italian cheese that adds rich, savory depth to the pasta.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that brings intense flavor to the pasta dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the recipe.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright green herb that adds a fresh pop of color and subtle herbal note to the finished dish.

Instructions for One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Gather Pot and Pasta Ingredients

Grab a generously sized cooking pot. You’ll need these delightful ingredients:
  • Fettuccine noodles
  • Minced fresh garlic
  • Rich chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Place all ingredients near your cooking station.

Step 2: Create Liquid Pasta Magic

Pour chicken broth into the pot and add fettuccine and garlic. Crank the stove to high heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil. The kitchen will start smelling wonderfully aromatic.

Step 3: Simmer and Transform

Lower the heat to medium and let the pasta gently simmer. Stir the mixture frequently to prevent sticking. Watch as the noodles absorb the flavorful broth and become perfectly tender. This process typically takes 12-15 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in Creamy Goodness

Remove the pot from heat and immediately introduce Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Stir enthusiastically until the cheese melts and creates a silky, luxurious sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and crack of black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the steaming pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and bright flavor. Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the sauce is creamy.

Pro Tips for One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

  • Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and enhance flavor subtly.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly from a block for richer, more authentic taste compared to pre-grated versions.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the dish.
  • Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon to transform this vegetarian pasta into a protein-packed meal.
  • Ensure constant stirring during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and achieve creamy, even texture.
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One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 17-20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy one pot garlic parmesan pasta delivers comfort in every forkful, blending Italian-inspired flavors with simple kitchen magic. Weeknight dinners become effortless and delicious when you bring this quick, cheesy masterpiece to your table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) fettuccine
  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Place fettuccine, minced garlic, and chicken broth into a large pot, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil over high heat.
  2. Lower temperature to medium, continuously stirring the pasta to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Allow the liquid to slowly reduce while the pasta absorbs the flavorful broth, approximately 12-15 minutes.
  3. Once pasta reaches al dente consistency, remove from heat and introduce grated Parmesan cheese and rich heavy cream. Gently fold ingredients together until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
  4. Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
  5. Transfer to serving dishes, creating an elegant swirl with a pasta fork to showcase the creamy texture.
  6. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant garnish and additional layer of flavor.
  7. Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the sauce remains silky and luxurious.

Notes

  • Select high-quality Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor depth and creamy texture.
  • Use fresh garlic cloves instead of pre-minced for a more robust and authentic taste profile.
  • Adjust liquid ratio if you prefer a thicker or more saucy consistency by adding extra broth or cream gradually.
  • Customize the dish by adding protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for a more substantial meal.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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