One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This is the kind of dinner I make when the fridge is nearly empty and everyone is hungry. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that garlicky, cheesy flavor as it goes.
One pot, about 25 minutes, and a handful of basic ingredients: it doesn’t get much easier than this.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 25 min | Serves: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Everything cooks in one pot, including the pasta.
- Ready in 25 minutes with pantry staples.
- Rich and creamy without any cream cheese or fuss.
One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Creamy, cheesy garlic parmesan pasta made in a single pot. A fast, budget-friendly dinner with almost no cleanup.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the uncooked pasta, broth, and milk. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring often to prevent sticking, for 12-15 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the parmesan, butter, and black pepper until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt to taste, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Results
- Stir often, especially in the first few minutes, so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- The sauce thickens as it cools, so serve it right away or add a splash of milk to loosen.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest melt.
Variations
- Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon to make it a heartier meal.
- Add a handful of spinach or peas in the last few minutes.
- Finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to creamy.
