Description
This One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Combining uncooked pasta with aromatic garlic, olive oil, and a blend of dried herbs, everything cooks together in one pan using broth to infuse rich taste. The result is a tender, herb-scented pasta that’s simple to prepare and can be customized with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for added freshness and creaminess.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) uncooked pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
Liquids and Oils
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, if available)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the pan and stir to coat in the olive oil and garlic. Let the pasta toast slightly for 1-2 minutes to absorb flavor.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer and Cook the Pasta: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the pasta simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. Cook until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. For a creamier texture, stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
- Garnish: Serve the pasta hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil or parsley for garnish.
Notes
- You can use any type of long pasta like spaghetti or linguine for this recipe.
- Adjust the amount of broth to ensure pasta is fully cooked but not too watery.
- Adding Parmesan cheese at the end adds creaminess but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted or combined with dried herbs for more vibrant flavor.
- Keep an eye on the pasta while simmering and stir regularly to prevent burning or sticking.
- For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.