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- 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Salt - Black pepper In this recipe, I use fettuccine or spaghetti as the base. You can choose either based on your taste. The vegetable broth adds flavor and moisture while the heavy cream creates that rich, creamy texture we love. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives this dish its signature taste. I always include minced garlic for that wonderful aroma and flavor. You can add olive oil, but it’s optional. Italian seasoning adds a nice touch, but feel free to skip it if you prefer. Fresh parsley not only garnishes the dish but also adds a pop of color. For seasoning, salt and black pepper are key. They enhance the overall flavor. Adjust these to your liking for the best results. By keeping these ingredients on hand, you can whip up this tasty meal any time. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heating olive oil Start by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot. Set the heat to medium. This will help the oil warm up slowly and evenly. 2. Sautéing garlic Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Cook for about 1 minute. Stir frequently to keep the garlic from browning. You want it fragrant and soft, not burnt. 1. Adding pasta and liquids Next, add 12 ounces of fettuccine or spaghetti into the pot. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything well so the pasta is coated in the liquid. 2. Bringing to a boil and simmering Raise the heat to bring the pot to a gentle boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the pasta for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally and watch for that perfect al dente texture. 1. Incorporating Parmesan and seasoning Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes rich and creamy. 2. Adjusting sauce consistency If the sauce is too thick, add more vegetable broth or cream. Do this until it reaches your desired creaminess. Taste and add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking. To make your One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta shine, pay close attention to cooking time. Start with the heat on medium. As the pasta cooks, stir it every few minutes. This keeps it from sticking and helps it cook evenly. The key is to watch for the pasta to reach al dente. Al dente means it is firm but not hard. It should have a slight bite to it. This texture gives you a perfect base for the creamy sauce. Adding extra seasonings can really boost the flavor. Consider a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. A squeeze of lemon juice can add brightness. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference too. Fresh garlic gives a stronger taste than dried. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness at the end. Using high-quality Parmesan cheese enhances the dish’s richness. When serving, think about garnishing ideas. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top always impresses. Finely chopped parsley not only looks nice but adds a fresh taste. Pair your pasta with a simple side salad or garlic bread. These sides balance the rich pasta. If you want, you can serve it with grilled vegetables for more color and nutrition. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a vibrant flavor that powdered garlic simply can't match. Be sure to sauté it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness. Cheese Quality Matters: Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated. The texture and flavor will significantly enhance your sauce. Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If your sauce becomes too thick, gradually add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to reach your preferred consistency without compromising flavor. Garnishing Tips: For a pop of color and freshness, don't skip the parsley. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing! {{image_4}} If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands make tasty gluten-free fettuccine or spaghetti. This swap keeps the dish light and enjoyable. For dairy-free alternatives, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps make the dish suitable for more diets. You can easily add protein to your pasta. Chicken or shrimp works well. Just cook the protein in the pot before adding the pasta. This boosts the meal's heartiness and flavor. Incorporating vegetables is another great idea. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and freshness. Mix these in when the pasta is almost done. To give your pasta an Italian twist, add spices like red pepper flakes or oregano. These spices enhance the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan. For an Asian twist, try soy sauce and sesame oil. This creates a unique flavor profile that is both savory and rich. It’s a fun way to switch things up! To keep your One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Allow the pasta to cool before storing. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. - Storage containers: Use airtight containers for best results. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to leave space at the top for any expansion. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, consider these methods: - Microwave vs. stovetop: The microwave is quick and easy. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it to keep moisture in. The stovetop method is better for even heating. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. - Maintaining sauce consistency: If the sauce thickens too much during storage, add a little broth or cream while reheating. Stir well to combine. If you want to store this dish long-term, freezing is a great option: - Freezing process: Let the pasta cool completely. Place it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label and date your containers. - Thawing and reheating instructions: To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave. Reheat on the stovetop, adding broth or cream to restore the sauce's creaminess. You can use fettuccine or spaghetti for this dish. Both types work well. They soak up the creamy sauce nicely. Other shapes like penne or linguine are also good options. Just pick what you like best! Yes, you can make this dish vegan! Use plant-based cream instead of heavy cream. For the cheese, try nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan. This will give you the creamy flavor without dairy. Use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based. This dish lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water. This blog post covered how to make One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta. We looked at the main ingredients like fettuccine and garlic, along with optional items to enhance flavor. You learned the steps to prepare the dish from sautéing garlic to cooking the pasta. Tips offered insights on texture and flavor improvements. Variations provided ideas for ingredient swaps and international twists. Lastly, I shared storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy making this dish, and remember to add your unique touch!

Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

A delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish with garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and begins to soften, but be careful not to let it brown.
  • Next, add the uncooked fettuccine or spaghetti to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth and heavy cream. Stir the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well-coated in the liquid.
  • Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the pasta for approximately 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to monitor the pasta closely until it reaches al dente texture and the liquid transforms into a luscious, creamy sauce.
  • Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Mix continuously until the cheese has melted completely, creating a rich and creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, you can adjust it by gradually adding more vegetable broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • Season your dish generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This will help the sauce thicken further, enriching the overall flavor.
  • To serve, ladle the creamy pasta into bowls and garnish generously with finely chopped fresh parsley. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan on top for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan on top before serving.
Keyword creamy, garlic, one pot, Parmesan, pasta