This creamy garlic Parmesan pasta is a weeknight dinner hero—simple to make, yet rich and satisfying.
With its velvety sauce of butter, cream, and Parmesan, each bite offers a comforting balance of savory depth and smooth texture.
The use of chicken broth instead of heavy cream alone lightens the dish while still delivering full-bodied flavor, making it a balanced indulgence.
Garlic and parsley add fresh, aromatic notes, enhancing the overall appeal.
While this dish isn’t low-carb, it can easily be paired with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables for a fiber boost. Parmesan provides protein and calcium, while olive oil brings in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
It’s a flexible recipe—perfect for busy nights, date dinners, or meal prepping for the week. Quick to prepare, easy to customize, and consistently delicious, it’s a staple worth adding to your regular rotation.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
All-Clad Stainless Steel Saucepan (3-Quart)
Ideal for simmering the broth and cream sauce without scorching. Its even heat distribution ensures smooth, lump-free pasta sauces.
OXO Good Grips Garlic Press
Makes mincing garlic fast and uniform, infusing the dish with deep, aromatic flavor while saving prep time.
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Colander
Drains pasta quickly and effectively without losing any noodles, and doubles as a rinsing tool for vegetables.
Microplane Premium Classic Zester/Grater
Perfect for finely grating Parmesan so it melts instantly into the sauce.
Wooden Spoon Set by OXO
Gentle on cookware while stirring pasta and sauce, preventing scratches and ensuring even mixing.
30-Minutes One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just starting to turn golden—avoid browning to prevent bitterness.
- Create the Sauce Base: Add butter to the garlic and let it melt fully, then pour in chicken broth. Stir in black pepper and salt, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring to ensure the flavors blend evenly.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the spaghetti directly into the simmering broth. Cook uncovered, stirring often to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed—add extra broth if the pan becomes too dry.
- Enrich with Cream & Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted, then pour in the heavy cream. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta, creating a silky texture.
- Finish & Garnish: Sprinkle in dried parsley, tossing gently to distribute evenly. Serve immediately, optionally topping with extra Parmesan or freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor—pre-grated varieties can result in a grainy sauce.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of warm broth or cream to loosen it.
- For extra nutrition, toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or grilled chicken before serving.
- Keep the pasta moving during cooking to prevent clumping and ensure even doneness.
- This recipe works best with long pasta like spaghetti or linguine, but short pasta shapes can be used in a pinch.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Pasta
The key to this recipe’s success is patience and balance. Always start with fresh garlic for maximum aroma—it’s the foundation of the sauce’s flavor.
When simmering the pasta in broth, stir frequently to release starch, which naturally thickens the sauce.
Use high-quality Parmesan and grate it yourself to ensure a smooth, creamy melt.
Adding the cream last prevents it from curdling and keeps the sauce luscious.
Finally, let the pasta rest in the sauce for a minute before serving—this allows it to absorb the flavors more deeply.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
This creamy garlic Parmesan pasta shines as the centerpiece of a meal but pairs beautifully with fresh sides. A crisp Caesar salad or simple arugula mix balances the richness.
Garlic bread or crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
For a protein boost, top with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables.
A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil can add a vibrant finishing touch. Pair with a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio for an elevated dining experience.
Storage Tips to Keep It Fresh
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best results, reheat gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture.
Avoid microwaving on high power as it can cause the sauce to separate—use short bursts instead.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze it, store only the sauce separately and prepare fresh pasta when serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
1. Can I use fresh pasta instead of dried?
Yes! Fresh pasta will cook faster—reduce cooking time by half and monitor closely to prevent overcooking.
2. What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk with a little butter can work, but the sauce will be slightly less rich and thick.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth without changing the method.
4. How can I make it more protein-rich?
Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas for a plant-based protein option.
5. Why did my sauce turn grainy?
Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting—use freshly grated cheese for the best results.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by allrecipes. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.