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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta served in a bowl with fresh herbs.

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

A simple, quick, and delicious creamy garlic pasta that brings the family together, perfect for weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half or plant-based cream.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Additional Parmesan cheese, for serving

Method
 

Cooking
  1. In a large pot or a dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let it brown!
  2. Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally. This usually takes around 10-12 minutes.
  3. Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese while stirring until it melts and is combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.

Notes

Add some veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for added color and nutrition. For a protein boost, include grilled chicken or shrimp. To create a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.