Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta! Seriously, this dish is everything you could want—creamy, garlicky, and oh-so-delicious. I first stumbled upon this gem during a particularly hectic week when I was juggling too many things at once. I needed a dinner that didn’t require a ton of prep or cleanup, and this recipe came to the rescue! In just about 25 minutes, I had a steaming pot of pasta that my whole family devoured. It’s such a breeze to make, and the best part? You only need one pot! Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta. I like to keep it simple, so you can find all these ingredients at your local grocery store!
- 8 oz pasta (any type you love—spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne work beautifully!)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought; it adds so much flavor!)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that creamy texture; you can swap it with half-and-half if you prefer a lighter version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best for melting, but pre-grated works too—just check for quality!)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (you can never have too much garlic, right? Feel free to adjust based on your preference!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing the garlic; it adds a lovely richness)
- Salt to taste (I usually add a pinch at a time—just don’t overdo it!)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked black pepper elevates the dish!)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (this adds a pop of color and freshness—totally optional, but highly recommended!)
Feel free to get creative with your pasta choice or adjust the cheese level to suit your taste. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making this One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta! I promise, it’s super straightforward, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a large pot and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and warm, but not smoking!
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant—wow, your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Next, add your pasta and pour in the vegetable broth. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente—this usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
- When the pasta is cooked to your liking, stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and everything is creamy and dreamy.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to taste as you go—adjust it until it’s just right for you!
- Dish it up and garnish with fresh parsley for that lovely touch before serving. Enjoy every creamy bite!
And there you have it! Simple, quick, and oh-so-satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try this!
Tips for Success
To make sure your One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta turns out perfect every time, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skimp on the garlic—its flavor really shines through in this dish. If you want an extra kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic. Also, keep an eye on your pasta; stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. For a creamier sauce, consider adding a bit more heavy cream or Parmesan cheese—just don’t go overboard, or it might get too rich! Lastly, if you have any leftover veggies in your fridge, toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking for a delicious twist. Happy cooking, and enjoy the creamy goodness!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to customize your One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta! For a veggie-packed version, try adding some fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms in the last few minutes of cooking—yum! You can also toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon for a protein boost that makes this dish even heartier.
Feeling cheesy? Swap out the Parmesan for a combination of mozzarella and ricotta for a different creamy experience. Or, if you want to keep it dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to find your favorite twist on this classic dish!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For example, the type of pasta, the quality of olive oil, and even the Parmesan cheese can all affect the final numbers. While I can’t provide exact values, here’s a general estimate based on common ingredients:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Remember, these are just guidelines, so feel free to adjust as you see fit. Enjoy your delicious meal without worrying too much about the numbers!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta you love. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes may require more or less time to cook.
What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
No worries! You can substitute it with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option, or even just use water. It won’t be as flavorful, but it’ll still work!
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed sausage can make this dish heartier. Just add it in during the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up!
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It’s a great meal prep option since it reheats well. Just make sure to store it in portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 25 minutes!
- Only one pot means minimal cleanup—yay!
- Creamy and dreamy texture that’s oh-so-satisfying.
- Rich garlic and Parmesan flavors that please everyone.
- Customizable with your favorite pasta, veggies, or proteins.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home.
Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be hooked!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear from you! After you try making this One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta, come back and share your experience in the comments. Did you add any fun twists? How did it turn out? Your feedback means the world to me, and it helps others discover this delicious recipe too! Don’t forget to rate it if you enjoyed it—you’re helping fellow food lovers find their next favorite meal! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to read all about your pasta adventures!
Print
One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta: 25 Minutes to Creamy Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and creamy garlic Parmesan pasta made in one pot.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add pasta and vegetable broth to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use any pasta of your choice.
- Adjust the cheese amount based on preference.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta