Description
This one-pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It combines al dente spaghetti or fettuccine with a rich sauce made from garlic, Parmesan cheese, butter, and cream, all cooked in vegetable broth for maximum flavor and ease.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Broth
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to release the garlic’s aroma without burning.
- Add Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a rolling boil to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add the spaghetti or fettuccine to the boiling broth and cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Do not drain the liquid as it will become part of the sauce.
- Make Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked al dente, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the unsalted butter, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until everything melts together into a creamy sauce.
- Season: Add dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Simmer: Let the pasta simmer for 1-2 minutes on low heat so the sauce can thicken slightly and coat the pasta beautifully.
- Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with milk or a plant-based alternative.
- Use chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option with deeper flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook slightly when simmering with the sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor and texture compared to pre-grated.
