It is 6pm on a busy Tuesday. You are tired and the family is hungry. This Garlic Parmesan Pasta is your new best friend.
It delivers a restaurant-quality meal in one single pot. You get creamy, tender noodles without the stress. It is the perfect cozy dish for a crisp fall evening.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a true one-pot wonder for your kitchen. You do not even have to boil water separately. Everything cooks together to create a naturally thick sauce.
It is budget-friendly and uses simple pantry staples. Your kids will love the mild, cheesy flavor. It is a total lifesaver for those hectic back-to-school nights.
Simple Method
Making this pasta is incredibly easy and fast. You start by sautéing fresh garlic in melted butter. Then, you let the pasta simmer right in the broth and milk.
This method lets the pasta release its own starch. That starch turns the liquid into a velvety sauce. Even if you are a beginner, you can master this tonight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are likely already in your kitchen. Freshly grated cheese makes a huge difference here.
- 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step
- Place a large skillet or wide-bottomed pot over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic to the butter and sauté for approximately 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Incorporate the chicken broth, whole milk, and dry pasta into the skillet.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper.
- Increase heat to bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and to emulsify the starch into the liquid.
- Once the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced to a thick sauce consistency, remove from heat.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is homogeneous.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this pasta warm in big, shallow bowls. It looks beautiful with an extra sprinkle of parsley. You can pair it with a crisp green salad for balance.
A piece of crusty bread is great for soaking up sauce. For a cozy fall vibe, serve it with roasted broccoli. It is a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 days. Pasta tends to soak up sauce as it sits.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth. This helps bring back the creamy texture you love. Warm it gently on the stove over low heat.
Tips for Best Results
- Stir the pasta frequently so it does not stick.
- Do not skip the fresh garlic for the best aroma.
- Use a wide skillet to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
- Grate your own Parmesan for a smoother sauce that melts perfectly.
- For a fall twist, add a pinch of nutmeg.
- Watch the liquid levels closely during the final minutes.
- Remove from heat while the sauce is still slightly loose.
- The sauce will thicken more as it cools slightly.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end.
- Swap the milk for heavy cream for extra decadence.
- Use gluten-free pasta if your family has dietary needs.
- In summer, swap the parsley for fresh garden basil.
Quick Answers
Can I use water instead of broth?
You can use water, but broth adds much more flavor. If using water, add a bit more salt. Chicken or vegetable broth is highly recommended for this dish.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Simply stir in an extra splash of milk. Do this one tablespoon at a time. It will loosen the sauce back to creamy perfection easily.
Will kids actually eat this?
Yes, this is a very kid-approved recipe. The flavors are familiar and mild. It is like an elevated macaroni and cheese for the whole family.
I hope this creamy pasta makes your busy weeknights a little brighter. It is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly fall evening. Give it a try and enjoy every cheesy bite!
— Lidia
Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Place a large skillet or wide-bottomed pot over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic to the butter and sauté for approximately 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Incorporate the chicken broth, whole milk, and dry pasta into the skillet.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper.
- Increase heat to bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and to emulsify the starch into the liquid.
- Once the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced to a thick sauce consistency, remove from heat.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is homogeneous.
