One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
A comforting and straightforward dish featuring pasta cooked in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well) Choose a pasta that holds sauce well
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Essential for starting the sauce
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is preferable for best flavor
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth Broth must cover the pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream For a richer sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For creaminess and flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste Season to enhance flavors
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Adds freshness and color
Instructions
Preparation
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the choice of pasta and broth to the pot, ensuring the broth covers the pasta. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sauce Creation
- Once pasta is cooked, reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy. Add more broth if the sauce is too thick.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and add chopped parsley.
Serving
- Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with milk. Add proteins like grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for extra nutrition.