What’s better than a home-cooked meal? A home-cooked meal with only ONE pot to clean! I love food, but I have a deep, passionate hatred for a sink full of dishes.
That’s why this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is my ultimate weeknight hero. It delivers restaurant-level flavor with a fraction of the mess. We’re talking rich, savory garlic sauce, salty parmesan cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, all from a single pot. If you love this flavor profile, you might also enjoy our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for another fast, flavorful meal.
If you’re nodding along, this recipe is for you. Let’s make a dinner that’s as kind to your taste buds as it is to your dishwasher.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick snapshot of what we’re making. It’s the kind of recipe you can glance at and know you have time for.
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Category: Main Dish or Side Dish
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
I need to take a moment to praise the one-pot method. It’s a true game-changer for anyone who dreads cleanup.
Everything cooks together. The pasta simmers right in the garlicky broth and cream. This means the starches from the pasta thicken the sauce naturally.
You get a luxuriously clingy white sauce without making a separate roux. Best of all, you only have one pot to wash. It’s efficient cooking at its finest.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your gear is simple. You won’t need a colander or a stack of mixing bowls.
The star of the show is a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven. You want enough room for the pasta to move. For ingredients, we build layers of flavor with a few key items.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Fresh garlic and butter create the aromatic base. Chicken broth and cream form the luscious sauce. And of course, a good wedge of parmesan cheese is non-negotiable for that salty, nutty finish. This creamy garlic and parmesan combo is also fantastic with chicken, like in our easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.
The Full Ingredient List
Here is everything you’ll need. I promise it’s all simple, easy-to-find stuff.
- 1 lb angel hair pasta (or spaghetti)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps for a smooth, clean cooking process. I’ve noted where to be careful to avoid a sticky pot.
- Combine and Boil: In your large pot, add the uncooked pasta, butter, garlic, broth, cream, Italian seasoning, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir to make sure the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Simmer to Cook: Bring everything to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb the liquid as it cooks.
- Check for Doneness: When the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, take the pot off the heat. If the sauce seems too thin, let it sit for 2 minutes—it will thicken up.
- Add the Cheese: This is the key step! Off the heat, stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and add salt if needed. The cheese adds plenty of saltiness.
- Serve Immediately: Dish it up right away, garnished with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. The sauce is at its creamiest when hot.
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
A few small tricks make a huge difference. They help you avoid common pitfalls like gummy pasta or a broken sauce.
Use the right size pot. A 5-quart Dutch oven or a 12-inch deep skillet is perfect. You need space for the liquid to bubble without boiling over.
Grate your own cheese. Pre-grated parmesan has anti-caking agents. These can make your sauce grainy. A fresh wedge melts into a beautifully smooth sauce.
Don’t walk away. Stir every few minutes. This prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot as the liquid reduces.
Trust the process. The sauce will look thin at first. It thickens dramatically in the last few minutes of cooking and as it rests off the heat.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This dish is best fresh, but leftovers are still delicious. You just need to know how to bring them back to life.
Let the pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb sauce.
To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk to a skillet over low heat. Gently warm the pasta, stirring often, until hot. This restores the creamy texture.
Nutrition Notes
This is a rich, comforting dish. Here’s a basic breakdown per serving to help with your meal planning.
- Calories: ~650
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
I get a few common questions every time I share this recipe. Here are the quick answers.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Angel hair cooks very fast, which is perfect for this method. If you use a thicker pasta like fettuccine, you may need to add a bit more broth and extend the simmering time by a few minutes.
My sauce turned out a bit greasy. What happened?
This usually means the heat was too high when you added the cheese. Always take the pot completely off the heat before stirring in the parmesan. High heat can cause the fats to separate.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but I don’t recommend cooking it in advance. The pasta will keep absorbing the sauce and become too soft. It’s a fantastic 20-minute, just-in-time meal.
And there you have it. A creamy, dreamy pasta dinner that respects your time and your sink. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a clever home cook, not a tired dishwasher. For another simple, cozy dinner starring garlic and chicken, try our Creamy Garlic Chicken.
I hope this becomes your new go-to for busy nights or when you just need a big bowl of comfort. It checks all the boxes for flavor, speed, and easy cleanup.
Enjoy all that flavor (and your clean kitchen!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!
