Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe
This creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a quick and easy one-pot meal that combines tender angel hair pasta with a rich garlic butter sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese & Dairy
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1 cup milk
- 3 Tablespoons butter (divided)
Produce
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- Fresh parsley (to garnish)
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
Pasta
- 8 oz. angel hair pasta
Instructions
- Prep Parmesan: Grate the Parmesan cheese finely and set aside to come to room temperature, which helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter to create the base for the garlic sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, then slowly add the milk while stirring, and bring the mixture to a boil to create the pasta cooking liquid and sauce base.
- Cook Pasta: Add the angel hair pasta to the skillet. You may break the noodles in half for better fit or twist them as they soften. Let the pasta simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until al dente.
- Reduce Heat & Add Butter: Lower the heat to low, then stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to enrich the sauce and coat the pasta.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Note that the sauce will be thin initially but will thicken as it stands.
- Garnish & Serve: Finish by sprinkling with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This pasta pairs wonderfully with garlic bread topped with cheese for a complete meal.
Notes
- Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly; follow package timing closely to avoid overcooking and clumping.
- Breaking the pasta in half before cooking helps it fit better in the skillet and cook evenly.
- The sauce may appear thin right after cooking but thickens as it cools and the pasta absorbs the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and texture; pre-grated Parmesan may not melt as smoothly.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Pasta, One Pot Pasta, Angel Hair Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Quick Dinner, Easy Pasta Recipe, Italian Pasta
