Name: Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated); 1 cup milk; 3 Tablespoons butter (divided); 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced); Fresh parsley (to garnish); 2 cups chicken broth; 8 oz. angel hair pasta

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Introduction

This Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender angel hair pasta cooked in a garlicky broth and topped with melted Parmesan and butter, it’s comfort food made simple.

A close-up view of cooked spaghetti pasta in a round metal pan, coated evenly with a creamy white sauce. The noodles form a soft, tangled mass with a smooth and slightly shiny texture, lightly sprinkled with small bits of fresh green herbs scattered on top. A pair of silver tongs are lifting some pasta from the pan, showing the long, thin strands stretching slightly. The background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
3 tablespoons butter (divided)
4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
8 oz. angel hair pasta
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Grate the Parmesan cheese and set it aside to reach room temperature.
Step 2: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, then slowly add the milk while stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5: Add the angel hair pasta. You can break the noodles in half for a better fit or let them soften before gently twisting them into the skillet.
Step 6: Let the pasta simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Then reduce heat to low.
Step 7: Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, tossing the pasta to coat evenly.
Step 8: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and well combined. The sauce will be thin at first but will thicken as it stands and the pasta absorbs more flavor.
Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Garlic bread with cheese pairs beautifully with this dish!

Tips & Variations

Set a timer to avoid overcooking angel hair pasta, as it cooks very quickly and can become clumpy.
For a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
Add red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms to make this a heartier meal.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to help loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

A close-up view of creamy spaghetti pasta tossed in a smooth, pale yellow sauce with a glossy texture, sprinkled with small, bright green chopped herbs scattered evenly on top. The pasta strands are thick and well coated, twisted and heaped naturally, with a silver fork lifting a portion from the right side of the image. The dish is set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute angel hair with other thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine, but adjust the cooking time as needed since thicker pasta will take longer to cook.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

Minced garlic from a jar can be used, but fresh garlic provides a brighter, more robust flavor for this dish. Use about 1 teaspoon of jarred garlic as a substitute for 4 cloves fresh.