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1 photo There are certain meals that feel like a warm hug after a long day, and creamy garlic parmesan pasta is exactly that kind of dish. It is the meal you make when you want comfort without complication. The kind of dinner that fills the kitchen with the gentle aroma of butter melting and garlic sizzling softly in the pan. That scent alone has a way of slowing everything down.
This recipe reminds me of evenings when time felt short but the craving for something homemade was strong. No elaborate prep, no fancy techniques, just simple ingredients coming together in the most beautiful way. Butter, garlic, broth, milk, and parmesan. Pantry staples that transform into something rich and velvety. It is proof that comfort food does not need to be complicated.
One of the best parts about this pasta is that it all comes together in a single pan. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all that garlicky goodness while releasing starch that naturally thickens everything into a silky coating. The parmesan melts into the warm liquid, creating a creamy texture without heavy cream.
It is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or even a last minute dinner for friends. You can dress it up with grilled chicken or keep it simple and let the garlic parmesan shine. However you serve it, this dish delivers that cozy, satisfying feeling we all crave sometimes. And honestly, sometimes that is exactly what we need on our table.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta :
Step 1 :
Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. I used the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, but any large pan you already have at home will work perfectly fine.
Step 2 :
Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir gently using a Cuisinart Silicone Spatula, but any spatula in your kitchen works just as well.
Step 3 :
Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pan. Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Season with salt and pepper, then stir to combine. I mixed everything in my OXO Good Grips 3 Quart Mixing Bowl before adding, but you can combine it straight in the pan if that is easier.
Step 4 :
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 5 :
Stir in generous amounts of freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 6 :
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Who This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Is Perfect For :
Kid-Friendly Appeal :
Soft pasta coated in a creamy sauce makes each bite easy to enjoy.
The mild garlic flavor is gentle and not overpowering.
Buttery parmesan sauce feels familiar and comforting.
Simple ingredients create a dish most kids recognize and like.
Comfort-Food Lovers Benefits :
The silky garlic parmesan sauce delivers deep, cozy flavor.
Butter and cheese create a rich and satisfying texture.
Warm bowls of this pasta feel soothing after a long day.
It brings the comfort of a classic homemade dinner to the table.
Busy-Life Adults Advantages :
The recipe comes together in about 30 minutes.
Basic pantry staples keep planning simple and stress free.
Cooking everything in one pan reduces cleanup time.
Leftovers reheat beautifully for an easy next day meal.
Vegetarian / Dietary Friendly Appeal :
The dish can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth.
It offers a satisfying meatless option without extra effort.
Parmesan and milk provide protein and richness.
It pairs easily with vegetables or salad for a balanced meal.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This creamy garlic parmesan pasta is a rich and comforting one-pan meal made with simple pantry ingredients. The pasta cooks directly in a buttery garlic sauce blended with broth, milk, and generous parmesan cheese for a silky smooth finish. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something cozy, quick, and satisfying.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add uncooked pasta to the pan.
- Pour in chicken broth and milk.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0.3g
- Cholesterol 45mg15%
- Sodium 620mg26%
- Potassium 320mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 14g29%
- Vitamin A 520 IU
- Vitamin C 4 mg
- Calcium 280 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 2 mcg
- Vitamin E 1 mg
- Vitamin K 35 mcg
- Thiamin 0.4 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 3 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.2 mg
- Folate 90 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.6 mcg
- Biotin 8 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.8 mg
- Phosphorus 260 mg
- Iodine 25 mcg
- Magnesium 40 mg
- Zinc 1.5 mg
- Selenium 20 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 8 mcg
- Molybdenum 15 mcg
- Chloride 380 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Substitutions
Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth. Half and half can replace milk for extra richness. Romano cheese works if parmesan is unavailable.
Serving ideas
Serve with grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Garlic bread pairs beautifully.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not cook on high heat or the milk may scorch. Avoid pre-shredded parmesan as it does not melt smoothly. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Chef tips
Use freshly grated parmesan for the silkiest sauce. Let the pasta rest for five minutes after cooking to thicken naturally.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Q. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes any short pasta like penne or fusilli works well.
Q. Why is my sauce too thick?
Add a small splash of warm milk and stir until smooth.
Q. Can I add protein?
Yes grilled chicken shrimp or crispy bacon are great additions.
