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Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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