Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) is the kind of weeknight hero every home cook deserves in their back pocket. Imagine a mountain of silky, golden noodles infused with garlicky aroma, all swirled through a luscious, cheesy sauce—and it’s made with just one pot! Simple ingredients come together with mind-blowing flavor and minimal mess. Whether you’re pressed for time or craving cozy comfort, this easy pasta brings a warm, homemade touch to your table in twenty minutes flat. One bite and you’ll see why Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) is a dish you’ll want on repeat!

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe celebrates a handful of staple ingredients, each playing their own delicious part in crafting a creamy, crave-worthy Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!). Here’s how these everyday items transform into something magical:

Unsalted butter: Melts into the base for a rich, velvety sauce and gently softens the garlic.
Garlic (minced): Four cloves give the pasta its signature aromatic intensity—fresh is best for maximum flavor!
Chicken or vegetable broth: Adds savory depth and helps cook the pasta right in the pot, absorbing all the goodness.
Milk: Lends creaminess to the sauce without needing heavy cream, keeping things light and silky.
Spaghetti or pasta of choice: Eight ounces of your favorite noodles become gloriously tender as they soak up every drop of flavor.
Parmesan cheese (grated): The star ingredient—grated Parmesan melts into the sauce for salty, nutty bliss.
Salt: Half a teaspoon brings all the flavors into delicious harmony.
Black pepper: Adds just enough warmth and a hint of bite for balance.
Chopped fresh parsley: A pop of green at the end wakes up the whole dish with freshness and color.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!)

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Start by grabbing a large pot or deep skillet—something big enough to give the pasta room to move. Melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, then toss in your minced garlic. Let it sizzle for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring so it doesn’t brown. The aroma is downright irresistible and sets a delicious foundation for your Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!).

Step 2: Build the Creamy Base

Once the garlic is fragrant (but not browned), pour in your chicken or vegetable broth along with the milk. Give everything a good stir to pull up any tasty bits stuck to the pan. Bring this mixture up to a gentle boil—this step creates a flavorful base for your pasta to absorb as it cooks.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add your dry spaghetti or chosen pasta straight into the pot. Reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered, stirring frequently. As the pasta cooks, it’ll soak up the flavorful liquid while releasing just enough starch to naturally thicken the sauce. Aim for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the noodles are gloriously al dente and most of the liquid has transformed into a silky sauce.

Step 4: Stir in the Parmesan and Season

Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. The heat of the pasta will turn the cheese into a creamy, dreamy sauce—this is the moment when Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) truly comes together. Let it sit for a minute or two; the sauce will thicken up even more as it cools slightly.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle the pasta with a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley. This quick green garnish makes the dish look as inviting as it tastes. Toss everything together and get ready to dig in while it’s steaming hot!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!)

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, a shower of extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts. A little more chopped fresh parsley will add color and a mild, herby lift. You can even try a few cracks of black pepper or a sprinkle of lemon zest if you want a pop of brightness—simple touches that make Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy pasta with crisp green salads or steamed veggies to balance out the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for mopping up any extra sauce. If you want more protein, serve with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted veggies—this Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) is endlessly adaptable at the dinner table.

Creative Ways to Present

You don’t need to stick to a bowl! Try twirling the pasta into high “nests” on a platter for a family-style meal everyone can share. For an elegant twist, serve portions in shallow pasta plates and top with microgreens or toasted pine nuts. Or go comfort-food classic: just let everyone dig in straight from the pot at the table for ultimate coziness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) into an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners. The sauce may thicken more as it chills, but that’s easily fixed when it’s time to reheat!

Freezing

Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) generally tastes best fresh, but you can absolutely freeze it for future cravings. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container, aiming for airtight seals to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month; when ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash or two of milk or broth to the pasta before warming gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This loosens up the sauce and brings back that irresistible creaminess. Use medium-low heat and stir often until warmed through—you don’t want to overcook the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use another type Main Course

Absolutely! While spaghetti is a classic choice for Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!), any pasta shape like penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni works beautifully. Just adjust the simmer time to match the pasta you’re using.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavors of cheese, milk, and garlic will shine just as brightly, making Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) deliciously vegetarian.

What can I add for extra protein?

This pasta is a great canvas for extras like cooked chicken, shrimp, bacon, or even white beans. Just stir them in when adding the Parmesan so everything gets coated in that creamy sauce.

Is there a dairy-free version of this dish?

You can experiment with plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and a vegan Parmesan substitute. While the flavor and texture will change slightly, you’ll still get a satisfying garlic pasta in one pot.

How can I make this dish even creamier?

Try stirring in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese along with the Parmesan. Both tricks will take your Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) to a truly decadent, ultra-creamy level.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for comfort, simplicity, and maximum flavor in one bowl, look no further than Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!). This recipe is proof that the right combination of pantry staples can deliver pure weeknight magic—minus the dishes! Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a creamy, garlicky classic you’ll return to again and again.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

A creamy and flavorful one-pot pasta dish featuring garlic and Parmesan cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup milk
8 ounces spaghetti or pasta of choice
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the broth and milk, then bring to a gentle boil. Add the dry pasta and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined. Let sit for a minute or two to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese before adding the cheese.
You can also add cooked chicken, mushrooms, or spinach for a heartier meal.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American