Imagine a mouthwatering pasta dish that comes together in just 20 minutes, dirties only ONE pan, and tastes like you've been slaving away in the kitchen for hours. This One Pan Garlic Parmesan Pasta is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero! Perfect for busy home cooks, lazy chefs, and anyone who craves maximum flavor with minimum effort, this Italian-inspired recipe will transform your dinner routine from boring to absolutely brilliant.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place a large skillet or wide pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Allow the oil to heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour chicken broth into the pan and add uncooked spaghetti. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove pan from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and creates a creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring even distribution of seasoning.
- Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot directly from the pan, enjoying the creamy, garlicky pasta.
Tips
- Garlic is the star, so use fresh cloves and don't let them burn! Sauté quickly until just fragrant.
- Stir the pasta frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor - pre-grated cheese won't give you the same creamy texture.
- If the pasta seems too dry, add a splash more chicken broth during cooking.
- Let the pasta rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken naturally.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream when stirring in the Parmesan.
- Fresh parsley isn't just for garnish - it adds a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 397kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 22mg
