One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta is your ticket to a delicious dinner with minimal cleanup. Creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner. Best of all, it’s made using just one pot, so you can spend more time enjoying and less time scrubbing.

Ingredients for One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

The backbone of this dish is the simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients. Olive oil provides a rich base for the garlic, while garlic brings its signature fragrance and depth. Chicken broth and milk create a creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. The star, of course, is the parmesan cheese, which melts into a luscious creaminess. Lemon zest adds a refreshing, bright note, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley finishes it off with a touch of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
  • Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a light side salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. A glass of chilled white wine complements the creamy, garlicky flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you have on hand, but cooking times may vary.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.

One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating up the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it hot enough to make the garlic sizzle but not so hot that it burns. Add the minced garlic and give it a quick sauté, just until it's fragrant — about a minute should do it.

Next, pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Once it's bubbling away, add the spaghetti. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and let it cook for about 10 minutes until it's al dente. You’re looking for that perfect balance of tenderness and bite.

When the pasta is just right, lower the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. The sauce will thicken as it stands.

Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top. This not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of fresh flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make — perfect for busy nights.
  • Minimal cleanup — only one pot needed.
  • Rich, creamy flavor with a zesty lemon twist.
  • Simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and milk; bring to a boil.
4. Add the spaghetti, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
5. Stir in parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
6. Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes for the sauce to thicken.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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