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A delicious serving of creamy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta topped with fresh herbs in a white ceramic bowl.

One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Experience a gourmet bistro-style meal in just 15 minutes with this effortless one-pot pasta. By cooking noodles directly in a savory broth and cream mixture, you achieve a silky, emulsified sauce without the need for multiple pots or complex techniques.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Equipment

  • Large, deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Chef's knife
  • Garlic press or cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs or wooden spoon for stirring
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, combine the broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, and butter over medium-high heat.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  3. Add the dry pasta to the liquid, ensuring the noodles are submerged. Reduce heat to a simmer.
  4. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to encourage the starch to thicken the sauce into a creamy glaze.
  5. Once the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced, remove the pan from the heat.
  6. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir vigorously until the cheese melts and creates a glossy, rich coating.
  7. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

If the sauce becomes too thick or dry, add a splash of warm broth or water to loosen it up. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture. For a protein boost, add cooked shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or sautéed spinach during the final two minutes of cooking.