Get ready for a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible weeknight meal: Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) is that magical dish you’ll crave again and again. Imagine tender noodles in a garlicky, silky sauce, all made in just one pot with less than 20 minutes of active cooking. It’s deeply satisfying and delivers comfort with every twirl of your fork—ideal for busy evenings or whenever you want something delicious without a sink full of dishes!

Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of simple ingredients can come together for something so comforting and flavorful. Here’s what goes into your Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!), and exactly why you won’t want to skip a single one:

Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic for a deeply aromatic base.
Garlic: Four cloves give the dish its signature flavor—you’ll smell pure happiness as it cooks!
Chicken Broth: Infuses each noodle with savory goodness and brings all the flavors together.
Milk: Whole or 2% creates that luscious, creamy sauce (no heavy cream required).
Uncooked Fettuccine or Linguine: Absorbs all the flavors as it cooks right in the pot—no draining necessary!
Salt: Just enough to make all the ingredients sing, but not overly salty with the broth and cheese.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balance to the creamy flavors.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: The absolute key to a velvety texture—grate it yourself if you can for best results!
Butter: Enriches the finished sauce with extra creaminess and glossy shine.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): A fresh and colorful garnish if you want to brighten things up before serving.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!)

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just 1 to 2 minutes—keep stirring so it doesn’t burn! You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells wonderfully garlicky and the cloves have turned just golden.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth and Milk

Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the chicken broth and milk. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. This is where the base of your creamy sauce starts to take shape, all in the same pot, making Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) the easiest choice for a fuss-free dinner.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked fettuccine or linguine right into the pot along with the salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to make sure the noodles are separated and coated. Let it all simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the pasta absorbs the flavor and the liquid reduces to a silky sauce.

Step 4: Stir in Parmesan and Butter

Turn the heat down to low and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the butter. They should melt together almost instantly, transforming the sauce into a creamy, cheesy dream that clings to every noodle.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Take the pot off the heat and let your Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) sit for 2 to 3 minutes. This short rest helps the sauce thicken just enough to coat the pasta perfectly. Top with chopped parsley if you like, then gather your forks for the best kind of comfort food.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!)

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a shower of fresh chopped parsley do wonders here. If you’re feeling fancy, a crack of black pepper or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds an elegant finishing touch that won’t go unnoticed.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or classic garlic bread for those who love a carb-on-carb moment. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also pair beautifully—choose whatever makes your meal feel complete!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving for a family dinner or a special occasion, try plating the pasta in shallow bowls with a swirl of sauce and plenty of garnish. For a bit of flair, add a lemon wedge on the side or nestle in roasted cherry tomatoes for extra color and brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken, but that just means the flavors meld together even more.

Freezing

While creamy pasta sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze this dish if needed. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—just expect the texture may be slightly less creamy.

Reheating

When you’re ready to reheat, add a splash of milk to the pasta in a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until warmed through and silky again. You can also microwave it, but stop and stir every 30 seconds for best results.

FAQs

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for your favorite vegetable broth. The dish will be every bit as delicious and the cheese will still deliver plenty of savory flavor.

Why use freshly grated Parmesan?

Pre-shredded cheese often includes anti-caking agents, which can affect how smoothly your sauce melts. Freshly grated Parmesan gives this pasta its signature creaminess and taste.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Totally! While fettuccine and linguine are top picks, you can use spaghetti, penne, or whatever pasta you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.

What can I add for extra protein?

To make Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) even heartier, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms at the end for a satisfying twist.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Sauté the garlic over medium heat and stir constantly. Only cook until just fragrant and golden—burnt garlic tastes bitter and can overwhelm the dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and satisfying about a bowl of creamy, cheesy Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!). If you’re seeking a fast, reliable, and crowd-pleasing dinner, this recipe is sure to deliver. Try it once, and you’ll have a new weeknight staple for whenever cravings hit!

Kimberly