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One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Written By: Stephanie March 24, 2019   (Updated May 15, 2019)  6 *This post may contain affiliate links. Read more »
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Just a single pot is all you need to prepare this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Pasta. Angel hair pasta simmers in this savory sauce for just five minutes, you’ll never find a quicker or easier pasta recipe than this! 

If you love one pot meals, you have to try my One Pot Cheeseburger Casserole next!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta in a cast iron skillet with a fork in the pan and cherry tomatoes on the side.

Finding a recipe that’s this quick is amazing, but almost painful because you wonder why you haven’t been making it like…your whole life.

I honestly couldn’t believe how quick this was. Angel hair takes no time at all to make, and neither does this amazingly delicious, creamy, flavorful Parmesan Garlic Sauce.

As easy as this recipe is, let’s go over a few things first!

Overhead view of ingredients to make Parmesan Garlic Pasta

Substituting Different Kinds of Pasta

Using different kinds of pasta is perfectly fine. I love angel hair because it’s quick and the super thin noodles are just fun.

But, if you prefer to use regular spaghetti or other thicker pastas, use 2 cups of chicken broth instead of 1.5, and increase the simmering time based on the instructions on the package.

A cast iron skillet with butter and minced garlic next to the skillet with cream sauce and uncooked angel hair. Angel hair pasta simmering in cream sauce in a cast iron skillet.

The Trick to Extra Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  • Refrain from adding cold ingredients into warm pasta when you prepare it. This includes the cheese, half and half, and/or milk. The consistency will be super creamy if you follow this instruction.
  • Purchase a block of high-quality Parmesan cheese. Always shred the cheese yourself, it will taste and melt much better.
  • Sprinkle flour over the cheese. This helps to thicken the water that separates from the cheese once it begins to heat up.
  • Let the cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the warm (not hot!) base. 
  • Add the cheese gradually as opposed to all at once.

Adding Protein

Meatless Additions

  • A great meatless protein-rich addition would be spinach, which you can incorporate 1 minute before the pasta is done, it will wilt very quickly.
  • Cooked asparagus or broccoli are other vegetables that are high in protein. These could be steamed ahead of time and added to the meal once the pasta is cooked.

Meat/Seafood Additions

  • Seared Chicken or Steak would make tremendous additions to this meal.
    • I recommend searing the meat in the skillet first, setting it aside, and cooking the rest of the meal in the same skillet. The chicken broth will deglaze the pan and give the sauce amazing flavor!
    • Once the Parmesan cheese has been incorporated into the pasta, slice the chicken or steak into strips and top the skillet with it.
  • Seared Shrimp would also be a great way to top off this meal!

Storing Leftovers

  • Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

A black bowl filled with Parmesan Garlic Pasta with a fork lifting up the noodles.

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Don’t forget a side of CHEESY Homemade Garlic Bread!

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4.34 from 6 votes
Servings: 4
Parmesan Garlic Pasta
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
 
Author: Stephanie
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: One Pot Parmesan Garlic Pasta, Parmesan Garlic Pasta

Just a single pot is all you need to prepare this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Pasta. Angel hair pasta simmers in this savory sauce for just five minutes, you'll never find a quicker or easier pasta recipe than this!

Ingredients
US Customary - Metric
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese shredded
  • ½ Tablespoon flour optional
  • 3 Tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup half and half* at room temperature
  • 8 oz. angel hair pasta
  • 1 lemon
  • Fresh Parsley to garnish
  • Cherry tomatoes optional
Instructions
  1. Shred the Parmesan cheese and set it aside to allow it to get to room temperature.

  2. Toss the cheese with ½ Tablespoon of flour. This is optional but will help the sauce remain smooth when the cheese is melted into it.

  3. Melt the butter over medium heat in a large cast iron skillet.

  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 min 30 seconds, stirring as it cooks.

  5. Add the chicken broth.

  6. Add in the room temperature milk/cream. If it's still chilled, temper it in the microwave for 20 seconds.

  7. Add the pasta. If the noodles are too long for the pan it will begin to bend as it heats and will then fit into the pan. Kitchen tongs help with this.

  8. Let the pasta simmer for 4-5 minutes. Stir it every 30 seconds or so. Remove from the heat.

  9. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring as you do so, until smooth and well-combined.

  10. Slice a fresh lemon into fourths. Squeeze the juice from one of the wedges over the pasta. Use the remaining slices as a garnish.

  11. Slice cherry tomatoes in half and sprinkle on top of the pasta along with the chopped parsley. (Cooking the tomatoes in the warm sauce will eventually cause the sauce to turn pink so be careful about that.) -Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

*Milk or a combination of milk and cream can be used as well.

 

Don't forget a side of CHEESY Homemade Garlic Bread!

Nutrition Information
Calories: 433, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Cholesterol: 53mg, Sodium: 627mg, Potassium: 336mg, Carbohydrates: 49g, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Protein: 14g, Vitamin A: 575%, Vitamin C: 21.9%, Calcium: 244%, Iron: 1.2%
30 Minutes or Less Dinner Easy Dinner Recipes Italian Meatless One Pot Our Favorite Recipes Pasta

posted by Stephanie on March 24, 2019 — 6 Comments »