The Easiest Garlic Pasta Recipe For Weeknight Dinner Magic

One-pot garlic parmesan pasta refines ordinary ingredients into a culinary symphony that dances across your palate.

Creamy, aromatic, and impossibly simple, this dish eliminates complex cooking techniques while delivering maximum satisfaction.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this luxurious or effortless.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate shortcuts that don’t sacrifice taste.

Butter and cheese mingle with robust garlic, creating a sauce that clings lovingly to each strand of pasta.

Comfort emerges through unexpected simplicity, turning an ordinary dinner into a memorable experience.

You’ll find yourself craving this magical combination again and again.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!): Flavor in Every Bite

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This one-pot pasta delivers creamy, cheesy goodness in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you're craving something delicious but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.
• Maximize Minimal Effort: The simple cooking method means less cleanup and maximum flavor, with angel hair pasta absorbing the rich garlic and Parmesan sauce directly in the skillet, creating a luxurious texture without complicated techniques.
• Protein-Packed Pleasure: Loaded with 18g of protein and balanced nutrition, this dish transforms a basic pasta into a satisfying meal that keeps you full and energized, making it an excellent option for home cooks seeking a quick, nourishing dinner solution.
• Customize Your dish: Easily adaptable with optional additions like grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, this recipe invites personal creativity while maintaining its core comforting essence.

Ingredients for Easy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Main Ingredients:

• Angel Hair Pasta: A delicate, thin pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs sauce beautifully, perfect for one-pot meals.

• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that adds rich, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce, best when freshly grated.
• Butter, Milk: Create a creamy, smooth base for the sauce with rich, comforting texture.

• Garlic: Provides intense, aromatic flavor that forms the foundation of the dishs taste profile.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and savory undertones to the pasta sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and light herbal notes to finish the dish.

How to Make One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta That’s Full of Flavor

Step 1: Prepare Cheese and Butter

Grate Parmesan cheese and set aside. Place a skillet over medium heat and melt butter until it’s smooth and slightly bubbling.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

Add minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently to prevent burning and release those wonderful aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Create Liquid Base

Pour in chicken broth and milk into the skillet. Stir the mixture continuously to blend the liquids evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Add Pasta

• Break the pasta in half
• Twist the pasta into the skillet
• Allow the pasta to soften as it cooks

Step 5: Simmer Pasta

Let the pasta simmer for 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Reduce heat to low. Add a bit more butter and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve hot alongside some garlic bread for a delicious complete meal.

Tips for Perfecting Your Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Cheese Prep Trick: Freshly grate Parmesan just before cooking to ensure maximum flavor and smoother melting.
• Garlic Sauté Secret: Cook garlic slowly and gently to prevent burning and release its rich, nutty essence.
• Pasta Insertion Technique: Break or twist angel hair pasta carefully into the skillet to help it cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce.
• Liquid Balance Hack: Stir continuously while adding broth and milk to create a silky, consistent sauce without lumps.
• Sauce Consistency Tip: Let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly to achieve a perfect creamy texture that coats the pasta beautifully.

How to Store Leftover Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Pasta tends to absorb liquid, so you might need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
• Microwave Method: Transfer pasta to a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water or milk to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the pasta is thoroughly warm and creamy.
• Stovetop Reheating: Pour pasta into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of milk or chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently and continuously until heated through.

Pair Your Pasta with These Sides and Dishes

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, creamy pasta, balancing its garlic and cheese flavors perfectly.
• Complement with Herb-Infused Side Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh, tangy contrast to the creamy pasta, adding brightness to the meal.
• Match with Garlic Bread Crunch: Toasted garlic bread enhances the garlic notes in the dish, creating a delightful textural experience with its crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Boost with Grilled Chicken Topping: Adding sliced grilled chicken introduces lean protein and creates a more substantial, satisfying meal with extra savory depth.

Variations to Experiment With in Your Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• Spicy Kick Pasta: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during garlic sautéing for a zesty flavor profile. The heat will complement the creamy Parmesan sauce and elevate the overall taste experience.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate fresh basil, oregano, and thyme into the sauce. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for an authentic Mediterranean-inspired version that brings bright, aromatic notes to the dish.
• Protein Power Pasta: Mix in cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp during the final stirring stage. This variation transforms the recipe into a more substantial meal packed with protein and extra flavor complexity.
• Creamy Mushroom Upgrade: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with garlic before adding broth. The earthy mushrooms will add depth and a rich, umami dimension to the classic Parmesan pasta recipe.

Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Garlic Parmesan Pasta brings creamy Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with minimal cleanup. Silky noodles tossed in rich parmesan and aromatic garlic create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) angel hair pasta
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk

Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• ½ cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, finely grated

Finishing Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter, divided
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet by melting of butter over medium heat, ensuring even coating across the pan surface.
2. Add finely chopped fresh garlic and sauté for approximately 60-90 seconds, moving constantly to prevent scorching and release aromatic flavors.
3. Carefully pour of chicken broth and of whole milk into the skillet, creating a creamy liquid base while whisking to integrate ingredients smoothly.
4. Gently introduce angel hair pasta into the liquid, carefully breaking longer strands or delicately twirling them to fit within the skillet’s dimensions, ensuring complete submersion.
5. Allow pasta to simmer uncovered for 4-5 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent sticking and promote even cooking throughout the noodles.
6. Reduce cooking temperature to low, then incorporate an additional tablespoon (14 grams) of butter for extra richness and seamlessly blend in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce transforms into a velvety, cohesive mixture.
7. Remove skillet from heat, let the pasta rest for one minute to absorb remaining liquid, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley as a vibrant garnish before serving alongside warm, crusty garlic bread.

Notes

• Elevate your weeknight dinner with this creamy, cheesy pasta that comes together in just one skillet, saving you time and dishes.
• Grating Parmesan fresh creates a more intense flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese, giving the dish a luxurious texture and depth.
• Breaking angel hair pasta helps it fit perfectly in the skillet and ensures even cooking, preventing clumpy or undercooked sections.
• Stirring frequently prevents the garlic from burning and allows the butter to infuse its rich, nutty flavor throughout the sauce.
• The gentle boiling method helps the pasta absorb the chicken broth and milk, creating a silky, restaurant-quality sauce right at home.
• Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the butter and Parmesan, balancing the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg