Craving a mouthwatering pasta dish that's both incredibly delicious and ridiculously easy to make? Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate weeknight dinner hack - One Pot Parmesan Pasta! Imagine creating a creamy, cheesy masterpiece with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, all in just 20 minutes. This game-changing recipe will transform your cooking routine and have your family begging for seconds, without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with a mountain of dirty dishes.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of spaghetti, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Also, have fresh parsley on hand for garnish.
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Next, add the 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot. Bring the broth to a gentle boil.
- Once the broth is boiling, add the 8 ounces of spaghetti. Stir the pasta to ensure it is submerged in the broth, and reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on the liquid level; if it reduces too much, you can add a little more broth or water.
- When the spaghetti is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
- To serve, divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious One Pot Parmesan Pasta!
Tips
- Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor - pre-minced garlic from a jar can work, but fresh cloves will give you a more aromatic result.
- Watch your liquid carefully while cooking. Different pasta brands absorb liquid differently, so you might need to adjust the broth amount slightly.
- Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This helps the pasta cook uniformly and prevents clumping.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream when stirring in the Parmesan cheese.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh if possible - it melts more smoothly and provides a more intense flavor compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
- If the pasta seems too dry, don't hesitate to add a little extra broth or pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- For a protein boost, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon on top before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 225kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
