Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish made in just one pot, perfect for busy weeknights. With tender angel hair pasta, fragrant garlic, and a rich Parmesan sauce, it’s comfort food that comes together quickly and easily.

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

1. Step 1: Grate the Parmesan cheese and set aside to bring it to room temperature.
2. Step 2: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large skillet.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, then slowly add the milk while stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Step 5: Add the angel hair pasta. You may break the noodles in half to fit better, or let them soften a bit and gently twist them into the skillet with tongs.
6. Step 6: Let the pasta simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Watch the package cooking time closely to avoid overcooking.
7. Step 7: Reduce heat to low, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and toss to coat the pasta.
8. Step 8: Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and fully combined. The sauce will be thin initially but will thicken as it stands.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, ideally alongside garlic bread with cheese.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
• Angel hair pasta cooks quickly; set a timer to avoid mushy noodles.
• Substitute half-and-half for milk for an even creamier sauce.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Mix in cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for added protein and depth.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute with thin spaghetti or linguine, but adjust the cooking time as needed since thicker pasta takes longer to cook.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

The recipe uses chicken broth, so it is not vegetarian. You can substitute vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 70 reviews

This Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, cheesy one-pot meal featuring tender angel hair pasta cooked in a flavorful garlic butter and Parmesan cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients like garlic, chicken broth, milk, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich, comforting pasta that’s garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese and Dairy

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
• 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 1 cup milk

Produce

• 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Pantry

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz. angel hair pasta

Instructions

1. Grate Parmesan: Grate the Parmesan cheese finely and set it aside at room temperature to ensure it melts smoothly later.
2. Melt Butter and Cook Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and then slowly add the milk while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to start cooking the pasta.
4. Add Pasta: Add the angel hair pasta to the skillet. You may break the noodles in half to fit better or use tongs to twist them as they soften.
5. Simmer Pasta: Let the pasta simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once softened but not overcooked, reduce the heat to low.
6. Add Butter and Toss: Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, tossing the pasta to coat it evenly.
7. Melt in Parmesan: Gradually sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta while stirring continuously. The sauce will start thin but will thicken as it stands and the pasta absorbs the sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the pasta for a fresh finish and serve immediately, optionally alongside Garlic Bread with Cheese.

Notes

• Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly; set a timer according to package instructions to avoid overcooking.
• Breaking the pasta in half helps it fit and cook more evenly in the skillet.
• If the sauce seems too thin after standing, allow a few minutes for the pasta to absorb more liquid before serving.
• Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Pasta, one pot pasta, angel hair pasta, creamy pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner, garlic butter pasta