Welcome back to Samantha Cooks, where we’re always cooking up something delicious and fuss-free! Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite recipes: One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe. Picture this: tender pasta enveloped in a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce, all cooked in a single skillet. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
The Recipe:
Let’s dive right into the magic of this dish. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll have dinner ready in a flash. First, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until it’s fragrant and golden. Then, pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Next, add your pasta of choice and let it simmer away until it’s perfectly al dente.
But here’s where the real magic happens: the creamy sauce. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in a generous amount of heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as the sauce transforms into a luscious masterpiece right before your eyes. A sprinkle of salt and pepper is all it takes to bring the flavors together in perfect harmony.
Customization Options:
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to get creative and add your own twist! Craving protein? Toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp. Want to up the veggie factor? Throw in a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) linguine, penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups (720ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet and bring it to a boil.
- Once the broth is boiling, add the pasta to the skillet, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pasta simmer, stirring occasionally, until it's cooked to al dente according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the creamy garlic Parmesan pasta with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve the pasta immediately, either on its own or with additional grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or your favorite vegetables such as spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to revive the sauce.
Tips and Tricks:
- Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Nobody likes mushy pasta!
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add a splash of extra broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Leftovers taste just as delicious the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Conclusion:
And there you have it, folks! One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, the ultimate weeknight dinner hero. Quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So grab your skillet and get cooking – dinner awaits!
Until next time, happy cooking!
