Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with garlic, this easy pasta recipe is the kind of comfort food you’ll come back to again and again.
Everything cooks in one pan—no draining, no fuss—and it’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or whenever you need something warm and satisfying on the table fast.
For Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Olive Oil – Helps to sauté the garlic and adds a rich, smooth flavor.
- Minced Garlic – Brings a bold, aromatic garlic taste that infuses the entire dish.
- Butter – Adds creaminess and a subtle richness to the pasta.
- Linguine (or any pasta of choice) – The base of the dish; absorbs the flavors beautifully.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Infuses the pasta with extra depth of flavor while cooking.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Enhances the overall taste and balances the creaminess.
- Milk or Cream – A mix of milk and heavy cream creates a silky, luscious texture.
- Parmesan Cheese – The star ingredient, adding a nutty, savory, and cheesy finish.
- Fresh Parsley – Brings a pop of color and freshness to the final dish.
One Pan Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Notes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 3–4 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 oz uncooked linguine (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup warm milk or cream (use any combination—half milk, half cream works great; microwave for 30 seconds to warm)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the garlic
In a large (12-inch) skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant and just turning golden. - Add pasta and liquids
Stir in the uncooked pasta, butter, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and warmed milk or cream. Bring the mixture to a boil. - Simmer
Lower the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
For a quicker method: Stir constantly over medium heat for 10–12 minutes until pasta is cooked through. - Finish with cheese
Remove from heat. Toss the pasta gently and stir in the Parmesan cheese a little at a time until melted and creamy. - Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley if you like, and serve warm.
Recipe Tips
- This makes 4 servings as a side dish, or 2 generous main dish portions. To serve more, simply double the ingredients—cooking time may need slight adjustment.
- Works with most pasta shapes—try fettuccine, penne, or rotini. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of warm milk or broth until it loosens.
- For extra creaminess, mix in a few ounces of full-fat cream cheese near the end of cooking.
Nutrition
Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 606mg | Potassium: 354mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 399IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 249mg | Iron: 1mg
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use various pasta shapes like fettuccine, spaghetti, or even short pastas like penne. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the pasta type.
2. How can I prevent the Parmesan cheese from clumping in the sauce?
To avoid clumping, freshly grate the Parmesan cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that hinder melting. Ensure the heat is low when adding the cheese, and sprinkle it evenly over the pasta, stirring continuously until melted.
3. What if my sauce becomes too thick?
If the sauce thickens more than desired, add a splash of warm milk or chicken broth to reach your preferred consistency. Stir well to incorporate the liquid smoothly.
4. Can I add vegetables or protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Incorporating cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like broccoli or spinach can enhance the dish’s flavor and nutritional value. Add these ingredients during the cooking process to ensure they’re heated through.
5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
