Let’s be honest: nobody likes washing dishes. That is why this One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a weeknight miracle. You cook the pasta right in the sauce, which does two amazing things: it saves you from cleaning a separate colander and pot, and the starch from the pasta naturally thickens the sauce into a creamy dream.
Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is simple, budget-friendly, and elegant enough to feel like a treat. It’s the kind of « back pocket » recipe every home cook needs for busy nights.
Why One Pot Pasta Works
The magic of one-pot pasta is absorption. Instead of boiling pasta in gallons of water and throwing that starch down the drain, you use just enough liquid (broth and milk) to cook the noodles. As the liquid reduces, it coats the pasta, creating a silkier sauce than you could ever get with the traditional boil-and-drain method.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (measure with your heart!)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk works best)
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (fettuccine, penne, or shells)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional Protein:
- Grilled chicken strips
- Sautéed shrimp
- Leftover rotisserie chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics (2 Minutes)
Melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Do not let it burn!
Step 2: Add Liquid and Pasta (3 Minutes)
Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and uncooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged as much as possible.
Step 3: Simmer (15 Minutes)
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low/simmer.
Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
Crucial Step: You must stir occasionally, or the pasta will stick to the bottom of the pot.
Remove the lid for the last 2-3 minutes to let the sauce thicken up.
Step 4: Cheese and Serve
Remove from heat. The sauce might look a little thin still—don’t worry, it thickens rapidly as it cools.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 52g
- Calcium: 25% DV
Troubleshooting Tips
- Sauce too thick? Add a splash more milk or broth.
- Pasta not cooked yet? Add 1/4 cup of water and keep cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Curdled milk? This happens if the heat is too high. Keep it at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.
Variations
- Spinach & Mushroom: Add sliced mushrooms with the garlic, and stir in fresh spinach at the very end until wilted.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished dish to cut the richness.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta is comfort food at its simplest. It’s creamy, garlicky, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, looking at a clean kitchen after dinner is the best dessert of all.
Add this to your « Easy Weeknight Dinners » board for those nights when you need dinner fast.
