Easy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe (Under 30 Mins!)

Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, you’re craving a creamy, comforting pasta dish, but the thought of using multiple pots and facing a sink full of dishes is overwhelming. What if you could create a rich, restaurant-quality pasta loaded with garlic and Parmesan flavor, using just one pot and in under 30 minutes?

It sounds almost too good to be true, but this One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe makes it possible! We’re simmering delicate angel hair pasta directly in a flavorful broth and milk mixture, creating a luscious, starchy sauce right in the pan. Finished with butter and plenty of salty Parmesan cheese, this dish is unbelievably easy, incredibly fast, and delivers maximum creamy, garlicky comfort with minimal cleanup. Get ready for your new favorite weeknight miracle meal!

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a surprisingly elegant and flavorful pasta dish. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key for the best results.

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Unsalted Butter	3 Tablespoons, divided	2 Tbsp for garlic, 1 Tbsp to finish
Fresh Garlic Cloves, minced	4	The star flavor!
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth	2 cups	Can substitute vegetable broth
Whole Milk	1 cup	Adds creaminess (lower fat milk may make sauce thinner)
Angel Hair Pasta	8 oz.	Or other thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine
Parmesan Cheese, finely grated	½ cup	Freshly grated melts best; bring to room temp
Fresh Parsley, chopped	To garnish	Optional, for color and freshness
Optional Seasonings:
Onion Powder	¼ tsp
Dried Oregano	¼ tsp
Dried Thyme	¼ tsp
Dried Parsley	¼ tsp
Black Pepper, freshly ground	¼ tsp

Timing

This one-pot wonder lives up to its speedy reputation! Perfect for when you need dinner on the table fast.

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a creamy, dreamy one-pot pasta dish.

Step 1: Grate Cheese and Sauté Garlic

this now & bake later ❤️

Start by finely grating your Parmesan cheese and setting it aside. Allowing it to come to room temperature while you prepare the rest helps it melt smoothly into the sauce later. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s fragrant but not browned.

• Actionable Tip: Keep a close eye on the garlic! Burnt garlic turns bitter and can ruin the delicate flavor of the sauce. Cook it just until you smell that wonderful aroma.

Step 2: Create the Cooking Liquid

Pour in the chicken broth. If you’re using the optional seasonings (onion powder, oregano, thyme, dried parsley, pepper), add them now. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

• Actionable Tip: Adding the milk slowly helps prevent it from potentially scalding or separating as it heats up.

Step 3: Add and Cook the Pasta

Add the angel hair pasta to the boiling liquid. You might need to break the pasta strands in half to fit them comfortably in the skillet. As the pasta begins to soften in the hot liquid (after about 30 seconds), use kitchen tongs to gently submerge and twist the noodles into the sauce.

• Actionable Tip: Angel hair pasta cooks incredibly quickly (often just 4-5 minutes). Check your package directions and set a timer to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Simmer Gently

Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer (low to medium-low). Cook the pasta according to the package time (usually 4-5 minutes for angel hair), stirring occasionally with tongs to prevent the noodles from sticking together.

• Actionable Tip: Keep the simmer gentle. If it boils too rapidly, too much liquid might evaporate before the pasta is cooked, and the milk could potentially curdle.

Step 5: Finish with Butter and Parmesan

Once the pasta is cooked al dente, reduce the heat to the lowest setting or remove the pan from the heat entirely. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and toss until it melts and coats the pasta. Gradually sprinkle in the room-temperature Parmesan cheese, stirring or tossing constantly as you add it, until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

• Actionable Tip: Adding the Parmesan off the heat or on very low heat, and ensuring it’s at room temperature, is crucial for preventing the cheese from clumping or becoming grainy. Add it a little at a time while stirring.

Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Let the pasta sit for a few minutes off the heat. The sauce will seem thin at first but will thicken considerably as it stands and cools slightly, and as the pasta continues to absorb some of the liquid. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

This is an estimate for one serving (about ¼ of the recipe). Nutritional values can vary based on the specific type of milk, broth, and pasta used.

• Calories: Approx. 450-550 kcal
• Protein: 18-22 g
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 g
• Fat: 18-25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10-15 g

Healthier Alternatives

While this dish is a comforting indulgence, you can make a few adjustments:

• Whole Wheat Pasta: Substitute regular angel hair with whole wheat angel hair or spaghetti for added fiber. Note that whole wheat pasta may require a slightly longer cooking time and potentially a splash more liquid.
• Lower Fat Milk: You can try using 2% or 1% milk instead of whole milk, but be aware the sauce will be less rich and creamy, and potentially thinner. Avoid skim milk.
• Vegetable Broth: Easily make this vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Add Veggies: Stir in some fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking until wilted, or serve alongside steamed broccoli or asparagus.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is wonderfully satisfying on its own but pairs perfectly with a few additions.

• Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong serving this with warm, crusty Garlic Bread with Cheese for dipping into that luscious sauce!
• Simple Protein: Top with grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon bits for a heartier meal.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For the creamiest, dreamiest one-pot pasta, steer clear of these potential issues:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Angel hair becomes mushy and clumpy very quickly if overcooked. Solution: Pay close attention to the package directions and set a timer! Cook only until al dente.
• Cheese Clumping: Adding cold Parmesan to hot liquid, or adding it over high heat, can cause it to seize and clump. Solution: Ensure Parmesan is at room temperature and add it gradually off the heat or on the lowest possible heat, stirring constantly.
• Sauce Too Thin: The sauce naturally thickens upon standing. Solution: Don’t panic if it looks thin right after adding the cheese. Let it rest for 2-5 minutes off the heat before serving. If it’s still too thin, ensure you used whole milk and simmered gently.
• Pasta Sticking: Thin pasta like angel hair can easily stick together. Solution: Stir occasionally with tongs during the simmering process to keep the strands separated.

Storing Tips

This pasta dish is definitely best enjoyed immediately after making it, as the sauce thickens considerably upon cooling.

• Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. You may need to stir frequently. Microwaving can work but may result in uneven heating or slightly gummy pasta.
• Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish, as the cream-based sauce can separate and the delicate pasta texture will likely become mushy upon thawing and reheating.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate weeknight savior. It delivers incredible creamy, savory flavor with minimal effort and cleanup, proving that delicious comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Using just a few simple ingredients and one pot, you can create a satisfying meal that feels special enough for any occasion but is easy enough for your busiest days. Give it a try – you might never go back to jarred sauce again!

Ready to simplify your dinner routine with this amazing one-pot meal? Let us know how much you loved it in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more quick, easy, and delicious meal ideas!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?

While angel hair is recommended because it cooks quickly in the sauce, you can substitute other thin, long pastas like spaghetti or linguine. You may need to add a splash more broth or milk and adjust the simmering time according to the pasta’s package directions (aim for the lower end of the recommended time). Thicker shapes may not cook evenly in this method.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for your favorite vegetable broth.

Q3: How do I prevent the milk from curdling?

Use whole milk for best results (higher fat content is more stable). Add the milk slowly while stirring, and maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil once the pasta is added. Adding the cheese off the heat also helps stabilize the sauce.

Q4: My sauce didn’t thicken much, even after resting. What can I do?

If the sauce remains very thin, you can create a small slurry by whisking 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Return the pasta to low heat, stir in the slurry, and let it bubble gently for about a minute until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to over-thicken it.

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