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One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Close-up of a generous serving of creamy parmesan pasta coated in a rich sauce and sprinkled with black pepper.

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Make this rich and creamy garlic parmesan pasta in one pot for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner. This recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor using simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place the dry pasta, broth, butter, and minced garlic into a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer, stirring often, until the pasta is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 10 to 12 minutes. The liquid should reduce to a thick sauce consistency.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Serve immediately in bowls, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a brighter flavor, add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with the heavy cream.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce without using heavy cream, use 1/4 cup of the reserved starchy pasta water instead of the cream, stirring vigorously as you add the Parmesan.
  • Use high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor results. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth sauce.

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