Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a quick and comforting meal that combines creamy sauce with tender pasta, all cooked together in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying dish with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, combine pasta, minced garlic, heavy cream, butter, and enough water to just cover the pasta. Stir to mix.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened and become creamy, about 10-12 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the creaminess will be reduced.
- Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use any pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use most types of pasta, but shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli work well to hold the creamy sauce.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream gives the sauce a rich and silky texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. The sauce may be less thick and creamy.
PrintCreamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
This One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Combining tender pasta with a rich garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce, it requires minimal cleanup and is ready in no time. The use of just one pot makes the cooking process straightforward and efficient, delivering a comforting Italian-inspired meal with a luscious texture and cheesy goodness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter
- 4 cups (960 ml) water or chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic and butter: In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, to release the garlic’s flavor into the butter.
- Add pasta and liquid: Add the dry pasta directly into the pot with the garlic butter. Pour in 4 cups of water or chicken broth to cover the pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Cook the pasta until tender: Continue to simmer and stir the pasta for about 10-12 minutes or until it’s al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed. This method allows the pasta to cook directly in the flavorful garlic butter liquid, infusing it with rich taste.
- Add cream and Parmesan cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and blends into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Finish and serve: Cook the pasta and sauce mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of cream or water to loosen it. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve immediately while warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
- You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added protein and nutrition.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture; pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- This recipe works well with other long pasta shapes such as linguine or spaghetti.
Keywords: One-Pot Pasta, Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Creamy Pasta, Quick Dinner, Italian Pasta
