Description
Creamy one-pot garlic parmesan pasta delivers comfort in mere minutes with minimal cleanup. Parmesan cheese and tender noodles create a simple weeknight meal that satisfies hunger and delights palates.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or fettuccine
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for garnish)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Warm olive oil or butter in a spacious pot over moderate heat, infusing the air with finely chopped garlic’s rich fragrance for about a minute until golden and aromatic.
- Build Flavor Base: Pour broth and milk into the pot, blending in garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then gently submerge pasta, ensuring it’s completely covered.
- Simmer and Absorb: Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from sticking. Allow the pasta to cook and absorb the flavorful liquid, reaching a perfectly tender al dente texture in approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Finalize and Enrich: Incorporate Parmesan cheese, creating a velvety sauce that elegantly coats each pasta strand. Adjust seasonings to taste, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Plate and Garnish: Elegantly transfer the creamy pasta to serving dishes, crowning each portion with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to maintain the dish’s optimal temperature and luxurious consistency.
Notes
- Optimize Garlic Intensity: Lightly toast garlic in oil to release deeper, nuttier flavors without burning, preventing bitter undertones that can ruin the dish’s delicate profile.
- Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir frequently and use a wide pot to ensure even cooking and prevent pasta from clumping or sticking to the bottom, maintaining a smooth, consistent texture.
- Liquid Ratio Matters: Adjust broth and milk proportions carefully – too little liquid creates dry pasta, while excess results in soupy consistency; aim for creamy, clingy sauce that perfectly coats pasta.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version, use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly option, and swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for vegan alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg