This one-pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a perfect balance of creamy indulgence and simple home-cooking convenience.
Its velvety sauce, made from butter, milk, and freshly grated Parmesan, perfectly coats tender angel hair pasta in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
20-Minute One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cheese grater
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 8 oz. angel hair pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tbsp butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional seasonings: ¼ tsp each of onion powder, oregano, thyme, parsley, black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Before turning on the stove, gather all ingredients and tools. Mince the garlic finely so it releases maximum flavor, and grate the Parmesan cheese, letting it come to room temperature. Measuring out your milk, chicken broth, butter, and seasonings ensures a smooth cooking process with no last-minute scrambling. Chop fresh parsley for garnish and set everything aside within reach.
- Melt Butter for Aromatics: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter.Allow it to melt completely until it becomes slightly foamy, releasing a rich, nutty aroma. This step forms the flavor base for the sauce, so avoid burning the butter by stirring gently and keeping the heat steady.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Stir continuously to prevent the garlic from browning or becoming bitter. This gentle cooking unlocks the garlic’s natural sweetness and infuses the butter with aromatic depth that will carry through the entire pasta dish.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring gently, followed by the milk. Sprinkle in optional seasonings such as onion powder, oregano, thyme, parsley, and black pepper for a layered flavor profile. Increase heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated and evenly heated.
- Cook Pasta: Add the angel hair pasta directly into the simmering liquid. If the pasta is too long for your skillet, gently break the strands in half or use tongs to guide them as they soften. Let the pasta simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it is tender but still firm to the bite. Angel hair cooks very quickly, so set a timer to avoid overcooking.
- Incorporate Butter for Creaminess: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir continuously to coat the noodles, enhancing the richness and smooth texture of the sauce. This step ensures that the pasta is luxuriously creamy without being overly heavy.
- Blend in Parmesan Cheese: Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly. Doing this slowly allows the cheese to melt evenly into the sauce, creating a silky, cohesive texture.If the skillet is too hot, remove it from heat momentarily to prevent the dairy from separating and the sauce from becoming grainy.
- Adjust Consistency: Check the sauce consistency and gently stir. The sauce should be creamy but slightly loose, as it will thicken while standing and as the noodles absorb more liquid. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding a pinch of salt or pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately alongside garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or your preferred protein such as chicken or shrimp. Use tongs to portion the pasta neatly onto plates, ensuring each serving is evenly coated with sauce.
- Optional Pairing Suggestions: For a complete meal, pair this pasta with Lemon Pepper Chicken, Creamy Garlic Shrimp, or a crisp side salad. The dish also reheats well for meal prep, keeping its creamy texture when gently warmed on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Notes
- Angel hair pasta cooks extremely quickly; set a timer to avoid overcooking.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and creates a creamier sauce than pre-shredded varieties.
- Adjust milk or broth quantity slightly if you prefer a thicker or thinner sauce.
- Optional herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley enhance flavor without adding extra calories.
- Breaking long pasta strands helps them fit better in your skillet and ensures even cooking.
- Turn off heat before adding cheese if the sauce is very hot to prevent graininess.
- Leftover pasta can be gently reheated on low heat with a splash of milk or broth.
Rich in protein from the cheese and milk, this dish supports muscle health while providing a satisfying, wholesome option for the family.
Adding fresh garlic not only enhances flavor but offers heart-healthy antioxidants.
Lightly seasoned with optional herbs, the recipe keeps saturated fats moderate while delivering a comforting, fiber-friendly pasta experience.
Quick to prepare, requiring minimal cleanup, and incredibly versatile for pairing with chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, it’s a dependable recipe for everyday meals or easy meal prep.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Large Skillet
Essential for cooking pasta and simmering the sauce in one vessel.
A versatile skillet is invaluable for sautéing, frying, and simmering a variety of dishes with even heat distribution.
Wooden Spoon
Ideal for stirring pasta gently without scratching your cookware. Beyond this recipe, it’s perfect for mixing sauces, soups, and dough.
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Ensure precise ingredient ratios for consistent results. Their accuracy benefits baking, cooking, and meal prep alike.
Cheese Grater
Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly into sauces, offering richer flavor and creamier texture.
A quality grater also works for zesting citrus, shredding vegetables, and cheese prep.
Tongs
Helpful for folding pasta into the sauce and serving evenly coated noodles. Tongs are versatile for tossing salads, flipping meat, or plating dishes elegantly.
Chef’s Secrets: Achieve Creamy Pasta Everytime
The key to perfectly creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta lies in balancing heat, timing, and ingredient order.
Sauté garlic gently to prevent bitterness, and always add cheese gradually off the direct heat if the sauce is too hot. This ensures a smooth, silky texture without separation.
Using room-temperature cheese and gradually incorporating it allows it to melt evenly.
Freshly grated Parmesan is a game-changer; avoid pre-shredded cheese that often contains anti-caking agents.
Stir frequently while simmering to prevent noodles from sticking, and don’t overcook angel hair, as it absorbs sauce quickly.
For extra depth, a small splash of butter added at the end enhances richness without overpowering flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Delicious Pairing Ideas
This pasta is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of proteins and vegetables.
Serve alongside lemon pepper chicken, creamy garlic shrimp, or roasted chicken breast for a hearty dinner.
For a vegetarian option, roasted broccoli or sautéed mushrooms complement the richness of the sauce.
Garlic bread or a crisp side salad adds contrast in texture and freshness.
Garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or a light drizzle of olive oil not only elevates the presentation but also adds subtle herbal notes.
For family-style meals, serve directly from the skillet for a cozy, communal experience.
Storage Tips: Keep Pasta Fresh Longer
Store leftover Garlic Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently on low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Avoid microwaving at high heat as this can cause the sauce to separate or become grainy.
For meal prep, portion into single-serving containers to maintain texture and flavor.
This pasta freezes best without the cheese mixed in; add the Parmesan after thawing and warming to preserve its creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different pasta type?
Yes! While angel hair cooks fastest, spaghetti or fettuccine can also be used. Adjust cooking time accordingly and break long noodles to fit your pan.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
You can substitute milk with unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk and use a plant-based Parmesan alternative. This will change the flavor slightly but keeps the dish creamy.
3. How do I prevent pasta from sticking?
Stir frequently while simmering and maintain a gentle boil. Ensure the liquid is boiling before adding pasta and avoid overcooking.
4. Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, but store pasta separately from cheese if possible. Add Parmesan and toss gently when reheating to maintain creamy texture.
5. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Simmer on low heat for a few extra minutes while stirring constantly, or sprinkle in a small amount of additional Parmesan. The sauce will naturally thicken as the pasta absorbs it.
