Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!)

Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a delightful and easy dish that brings comfort to your table. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or anytime you crave something delicious.

Why make this recipe

Making Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a great choice for a few reasons. First, it requires just one pot, which means less mess and easy cleanup. Second, the ingredients are simple and often found in your pantry. Finally, the combination of garlic and Parmesan creates an irresistible taste that will please everyone at the table.

How to make Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
• 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 8 oz. angel hair pasta
• Fresh parsley (to garnish)

Directions:

1. Grate the Parmesan cheese and set it aside to allow it to get to room temperature.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large skillet.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the chicken broth and any optional seasonings. Slowly add the milk while stirring. Bring this mixture to a boil.
5. Add the pasta noodles. You can break them in half to fit better or twist them into the skillet with kitchen tongs as they soften.
6. Let the pasta simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking together. Reduce the heat to low.
7. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the warm pasta and toss to coat.
8. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese while stirring until smooth and well-combined. The sauce may seem thin at first but will thicken as it sits, with the pasta absorbing more sauce.
9. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with garlic bread with cheese!

How to serve Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Serve Garlic Parmesan Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair it with garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. This dish can be a satisfying main course or a side to your favorite protein.

How to store Garlic Parmesan Pasta

To store leftover Garlic Parmesan Pasta, let it cool down and place it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

Tips to make Garlic Parmesan Pasta

1. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
2. Don’t skip the step of bringing the cheese to room temperature; it blends better that way.
3. Stir frequently while the pasta simmers to prevent sticking.
4. Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more milk if you prefer a creamier texture.

Variation

You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables such as spinach or broccoli for extra protein and nutrition. You can also swap the angel hair pasta for other types, like fettuccine or penne.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought garlic bread with this recipe?

   • Yes, store-bought garlic bread works perfectly for serving with Garlic Parmesan Pasta.

2. Can I make this recipe vegan?

   • You can use plant-based butter and a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative to make it vegan-friendly.

3. How can I make the dish spicier?

   • You can add red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a bit of heat, or you can use a spicy seasoning blend.