One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Creamy and Quick Dish

June 7, 2025 by Lillian

If you’re looking for a fast, tasty dinner, you’ve found it! This One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta requires just 25 minutes and simple ingredients. With creamy flavors and rich cheese, this dish will impress everyone. You’ll savor the garlic and herbs in every bite. Perfect for busy nights, it’s easy to customize with different veggies or proteins. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that will make your dinner a delight!

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

– 12 oz fettuccine pasta

– 4 cups vegetable broth

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

The base of this dish is simple and full of flavor. I love using fettuccine because it soaks up the sauce well. The vegetable broth brings a rich taste that adds depth. Garlic gives a wonderful aroma and flavor. Italian seasoning adds a nice herb mix that completes the profile.

Cream and Cheese Components

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– Salt and pepper to taste

The heavy cream is what makes this pasta creamy and dreamy. It balances perfectly with the salty Parmesan cheese. Together, they create a smooth, rich sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Remember to adjust salt and pepper to match your taste.

Optional Garnishes

– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. It makes the dish look pretty and bright. You can skip it if you want, but I think it makes a lovely touch.

You can find the Full Recipe to get started on making this delicious dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base

First, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add four cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute. You want it fragrant but not browned. The garlic is the heart of this dish. It adds a great flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce.

Cooking the Pasta

Next, pour in four cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a gentle boil. Add 12 ounces of fettuccine pasta and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir to make sure the pasta is fully submerged. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the pasta to be al dente, with most of the liquid absorbed.

Final Touches

Now it’s time for the creamy goodness. Stir in one cup of heavy cream and one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the creaminess and flavor to your liking. Let the pot sit off the heat for a couple of minutes. This helps it thicken slightly. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious pasta! You can find the Full Recipe for more details.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Creaminess

To make your pasta creamy, you can adjust the cream-to-cheese ratio. If you want it richer, add more cream. For a lighter dish, use less cream. Be careful with the cheese. To avoid clumping, add the cheese slowly while stirring. This helps it melt evenly. If you notice clumps, whisk it gently to smooth it out.

Cooking Time Adjustments

Cooking time can change based on your pasta type. Fettuccine takes about 10-12 minutes. If you use thin pasta, check it earlier. For thicker pasta, allow a few extra minutes. Always taste it to see if it’s al dente. Adjust the heat if needed to cook it just right.

Enhancing Flavors

You can boost flavors with herbs and spices. Fresh basil or thyme add a nice touch. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat. For more depth, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice. Nutritional yeast can also enhance the taste and add a cheesy flavor. Feel free to experiment!

Variations

Adding Vegetables

You can easily boost nutrition by adding veggies. Spinach works great. Toss in a few handfuls during the last few minutes of cooking. It wilts nicely and adds color. Mushrooms are another good choice. Slice them and add when you sauté the garlic. This gives them time to soften. Cherry tomatoes can add a fresh touch. Halve them and stir in right before serving. Their sweetness balances the savory flavors.

Protein Add-ins

Adding protein makes this dish heartier. Grilled chicken is a popular option. Dice it up and mix it in after cooking. Shrimp also pairs well. Just add them when you stir in the cream. Cook until they turn pink and opaque. For plant-based options, try chickpeas or tofu. They soak up flavors well and keep the dish filling.

Making it Vegan

To make this dish vegan, swap out the cream and cheese. Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Make sure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly, too. With these swaps, you’ll enjoy a creamy pasta that fits your diet.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Refrigerate the pasta for up to three days. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and try to remove as much air as you can. This way, the pasta can last for up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Tips

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them properly is key. Start by adding a splash of water or broth to a skillet. Heat it on low, and then add the pasta. Stir gently until it warms through. This method helps avoid dry or clumpy pasta. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

Meal Prep Ideas

If you want to prep this dish in advance, cook the pasta and sauce as usual. Then, let it cool before storing it in the fridge. You can also prepare the sauce without the pasta. This way, you can quickly cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to eat. It saves time and keeps the meal fresh. Just remember to add the cream and cheese right before serving for the best taste.

FAQs

How long does One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta take to make?

This dish is quick to prepare. You need about 10 minutes to prep. The total time is 25 minutes. You can serve it fast!

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular fettuccine. Many brands make gluten-free options. Look for ones made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. They taste great and cook well.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you need a substitute for heavy cream, several options exist. You can use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free choice. If you prefer lighter options, try whole milk or Greek yogurt. Both can give you creaminess without heavy calories.

This blog post covered how to make One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and smart tips. I shared ideas for variations, like adding veggies or protein. Storing and reheating tips help you enjoy leftovers.

Now, you can create a simple, tasty dish that suits your taste. With these methods, your pasta will be creamy and flavorful. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

$- 12 oz fettuccine pasta - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning The base of this dish is simple and full of flavor. I love using fettuccine because it soaks up the sauce well. The vegetable broth brings a rich taste that adds depth. Garlic gives a wonderful aroma and flavor. Italian seasoning adds a nice herb mix that completes the profile. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste The heavy cream is what makes this pasta creamy and dreamy. It balances perfectly with the salty Parmesan cheese. Together, they create a smooth, rich sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Remember to adjust salt and pepper to match your taste. - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. It makes the dish look pretty and bright. You can skip it if you want, but I think it makes a lovely touch. You can find the Full Recipe to get started on making this delicious dish! First, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add four cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute. You want it fragrant but not browned. The garlic is the heart of this dish. It adds a great flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce. Next, pour in four cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a gentle boil. Add 12 ounces of fettuccine pasta and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir to make sure the pasta is fully submerged. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the pasta to be al dente, with most of the liquid absorbed. Now it's time for the creamy goodness. Stir in one cup of heavy cream and one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the creaminess and flavor to your liking. Let the pot sit off the heat for a couple of minutes. This helps it thicken slightly. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious pasta! You can find the Full Recipe for more details. To make your pasta creamy, you can adjust the cream-to-cheese ratio. If you want it richer, add more cream. For a lighter dish, use less cream. Be careful with the cheese. To avoid clumping, add the cheese slowly while stirring. This helps it melt evenly. If you notice clumps, whisk it gently to smooth it out. Cooking time can change based on your pasta type. Fettuccine takes about 10-12 minutes. If you use thin pasta, check it earlier. For thicker pasta, allow a few extra minutes. Always taste it to see if it’s al dente. Adjust the heat if needed to cook it just right. You can boost flavors with herbs and spices. Fresh basil or thyme add a nice touch. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives heat. For more depth, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice. Nutritional yeast can also enhance the taste and add a cheesy flavor. Feel free to experiment! {{image_2}} You can easily boost nutrition by adding veggies. Spinach works great. Toss in a few handfuls during the last few minutes of cooking. It wilts nicely and adds color. Mushrooms are another good choice. Slice them and add when you sauté the garlic. This gives them time to soften. Cherry tomatoes can add a fresh touch. Halve them and stir in right before serving. Their sweetness balances the savory flavors. Adding protein makes this dish heartier. Grilled chicken is a popular option. Dice it up and mix it in after cooking. Shrimp also pairs well. Just add them when you stir in the cream. Cook until they turn pink and opaque. For plant-based options, try chickpeas or tofu. They soak up flavors well and keep the dish filling. To make this dish vegan, swap out the cream and cheese. Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Make sure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly, too. With these swaps, you’ll enjoy a creamy pasta that fits your diet. To keep your One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Refrigerate the pasta for up to three days. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and try to remove as much air as you can. This way, the pasta can last for up to three months in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them properly is key. Start by adding a splash of water or broth to a skillet. Heat it on low, and then add the pasta. Stir gently until it warms through. This method helps avoid dry or clumpy pasta. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to prep this dish in advance, cook the pasta and sauce as usual. Then, let it cool before storing it in the fridge. You can also prepare the sauce without the pasta. This way, you can quickly cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to eat. It saves time and keeps the meal fresh. Just remember to add the cream and cheese right before serving for the best taste. This dish is quick to prepare. You need about 10 minutes to prep. The total time is 25 minutes. You can serve it fast! Yes, you can! Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular fettuccine. Many brands make gluten-free options. Look for ones made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. They taste great and cook well. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, several options exist. You can use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free choice. If you prefer lighter options, try whole milk or Greek yogurt. Both can give you creaminess without heavy calories. This blog post covered how to make One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and smart tips. I shared ideas for variations, like adding veggies or protein. Storing and reheating tips help you enjoy leftovers. Now, you can create a simple, tasty dish that suits your taste. With these methods, your pasta will be creamy and flavorful. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$