Garlic Parmesan Pasta
If you love easy comfort food with minimal cleanup, this one-pan creamy garlic parmesan pasta is going to be a new favourite. Everything cooks together in one skillet, from the pasta to the rich, buttery sauce, creating a creamy, flavourful dish with hardly any effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something cozy, homemade, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
In this blog post, you will learn how to make garlic parmesan pasta.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pasta
To make this easy one-pan creamy chicken broth linguine, start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to brown it, you want the garlic soft and aromatic to build the flavour base of the dish.
Next, add the butter, milk, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and uncooked linguine noodles directly to the skillet. Bring everything to a gentle boil, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the pasta cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the linguine is tender and the sauce has thickened into a creamy, comforting consistency.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, along with parsley if you’re using it. The cheese melts right into the sauce, adding richness and flavour. Serve immediately and enjoy this simple, cozy one-pan pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Storage
Allow the linguine to cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Because this is a dairy-based pasta dish, it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days for the creamiest texture. Freezing isn’t recommended, as the sauce can separate once thawed.
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Adding a little extra Parmesan on top helps refresh the flavour before serving.
Ingredients
Olive oil: Used to gently sauté the garlic, olive oil adds a light richness and helps build the flavour base of the pasta.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is the star of this dish, bringing bold, aromatic flavour that makes this pasta irresistibly savoury.
Butter: Adds richness and depth, creating that silky, comforting texture in the sauce.
Whole milk (or fresh cream): Gives the sauce its creamy consistency. Milk keeps it lighter, while cream makes it extra indulgent.
Chicken broth: Adds savoury flavour and helps cook the pasta directly in the sauce for maximum taste in every bite.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavours in the dish.
Linguine noodles: Long, flat noodles that soak up the creamy garlic parmesan sauce beautifully.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce as it melts. Freshly grated works best.
Parsley (optional garnish): Adds a pop of freshness and colour to finish the dish and balance the richness.
Looking for other pasta recipes? Try these recipes below!
Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 1 c. whole milk or 1 c. of fresh cream
- 2 c. chicken broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 8 oz. linguine noodles uncooked
- 1/2 c. parmesan cheese
- Parsley to garnish if desired
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil, then add the minced garlic to the pan.
- Sauté for about 1-2 minutes or until the garlic becomes aromatic.
- Add the butter, milk, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and uncooked linguine noodles to the skillet. Bring to a boil.
- Once it has been brought to a boil, reduce the heat to a low simmer and place the lid onto the pan. Cook for 20 minutes or until the pasta is soft.
- Remove the heat and add the Parmesan cheese and parsley if using. Stir together, then serve!
Notes
Author: Sarah Young
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While linguine works beautifully, you can substitute spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Absolutely. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon make great additions, turning this into a more filling meal.
Why cook the pasta directly in the sauce?
Cooking the pasta in the sauce allows it to absorb more flavour and release starch, which helps create a naturally creamy consistency.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers reheat well within a few days when stored properly.
How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, simply stir in a little extra milk or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
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