Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) is the ultimate answer to anyone in need of a cozy, creamy, and utterly satisfying dinner with minimal effort and even less cleanup. Picture twirls of tender pasta enveloped in a silky, garlicky sauce, punctuated with nutty Parmesan and kissed with a hint of pepper—every bite is pure comfort. This recipe is a mainstay in my kitchen because it’s quick enough for a weeknight but feels indulgent enough for company, all in just one pot. Whether you’re craving something soul-soothing or need a dish that pleases everyone at the table, Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) is a foolproof favorite you’ll reach for again and again.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is what makes Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) so appealing—the ingredients are everyday kitchen staples, but together, they create something truly special. Each one brings its own magic to the pot, from rich creaminess to fragrant depth, for a dish that’s both easy and unforgettable.

Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich flavor and forms the base of the creamy sauce.
Garlic: The star of the show—it infuses the entire pasta with irresistible, bold aroma.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Adds savory backbone and depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Whole Milk: Lends the sauce its lush, velvety texture and helps everything come together.
Fettuccine or Spaghetti: Classic pasta shapes that soak up the sauce perfectly; breaking them in half helps them cook evenly in one pot.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for nutty, salty goodness and extra creaminess.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and livens up every bite.
Salt: Brings out all the flavors—season to your taste as needed.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who love a gentle kick and a pop of color.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (Optional): Offers a fresh, vibrant finishing touch that makes everything look and taste brighter.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!)

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Start by melting your butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s bubbly and hot, add in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 to 2 minutes—watch it closely, as you want the garlic golden and fragrant but never browned. This early step sets the stage, so your Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) will have that unbeatable aromatic base.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Liquid Base

With the kitchen filling up with garlicky goodness, pour in your chicken broth and milk. Stir them together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This combo is the secret to a luscious sauce that comes together without heavy cream, keeping things lighter while still incredibly rich.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

Slide in your broken pasta, making sure the pieces are mostly submerged. Keep the pot uncovered and stir every couple of minutes—this prevents sticking and helps the pasta cook evenly. In about 10 to 12 minutes, the noodles will be perfectly tender, and the liquid mostly absorbed, ready for the final magic touch.

Step 4: Stir in Parmesan and Final Seasonings

Take the pot off the heat and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything’s melted and creamy—the sauce should cling beautifully to each strand of pasta. Now is the time to add your salt, black pepper, and that optional pinch of red pepper flakes, adjusting to taste so every forkful is exactly how you love it.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Right before serving, shower your Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) with fresh parsley if you have it. Not only does it make the dish look restaurant-worthy, but those fresh green bits also balance the richness perfectly. Serve it hot and enjoy right away for the absolute creamiest result.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!)

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan are simple yet stunning ways to finish this dish. Try a little more black pepper or some shaved Parmesan curls for a restaurant-style flair. If you like extra heat, sprinkle on more crushed red pepper flakes just before serving.

Side Dishes

Round out your Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette for brightness, or serve alongside roasted veggies (like asparagus or broccoli) to keep things fresh and colorful. If you’re feeling classic, nothing beats a hunk of crusty bread for mopping up every last bit of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, twirl individual portions into little nests and place on warmed plates. For family style or potlucks, serve straight from the pot (it’s half the charm!). Or scoop into small ramekins for a tapas-style spread—this pasta loves to be the star of any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Unlike many cream-based pastas, this one reheats well since the sauce is thick and starchy.

Freezing

While technically possible, freezing isn’t ideal because the creamy sauce can separate. If you do need to freeze, cool the pasta completely, then freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month. Expect to re-stir the sauce and possibly add a splash of milk when reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of milk as needed to bring back the silkiness. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for a good vegetable broth, and you’ll still get tons of flavor and all the same creamy goodness.

What protein can I add to make it a complete meal?

This pasta loves company—try adding cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even some steamed broccoli or peas for a heartier spin. Just toss your additions in during the final cheese-melting step.

Can I use a different type Main Course

Definitely. Fettuccine and spaghetti work beautifully, but penne, rigatoni, or linguine are also fantastic options. Just double-check cook times as thicker or thinner shapes may need an adjustment.

Why is my sauce too thick or thin?

If the sauce thickens too much while the pasta cooks, simply stir in a little extra milk until it reaches your favorite creamy consistency. If it’s too thin, let it sit for a few minutes off heat or add a pinch more Parmesan to help it come together.

Can I double the recipe?

Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) is easy to scale up—just make sure to use a larger pot and give everything a good stir so the noodles cook evenly. Add a couple extra minutes if you double the batch.

Final Thoughts

If you love cozy comfort food that feels special but takes almost no effort, you just can’t go wrong with Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!). Try it once and you’ll see why it’s my dinnertime secret weapon and my most-shared recipe with friends—you’re going to want to put this one on repeat!

Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish that comes together quickly for an easy weeknight meal. With a rich garlic and Parmesan cheese sauce, this pasta is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti, broken in half
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Simmer Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, and bring to a simmer. Add the pasta, stirring frequently. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add Cheese and Seasonings: Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.