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.
Dietary:
balanced meal, contains dairy, contains gluten, family friendly, Non Vegetarian
Description
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
12oz Pasta (Any short pasta)
3tbsp Butter (Unsalted)
4cloves Garlic (Sliced)
2cups Chicken broth (Low sodium preferred)
1cup Milk (Whole milk)
1tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
0.5tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
1cup Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated)
2tbsp Fresh parsley (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.
2
Add sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3
Add uncooked pasta to the pan.
4
Pour in chicken broth and milk.
5
Season with salt and pepper.
6
Simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
7
Stir in parmesan cheese until creamy.
8
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories420kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat18g28%
Saturated Fat10g50%
Trans Fat0.3g
Cholesterol45mg15%
Sodium620mg26%
Potassium320mg10%
Total Carbohydrate50g17%
Dietary Fiber2g8%
Sugars5g
Protein14g29%
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.
Keywords:
creamy garlic pasta, parmesan pasta recipe, one pan pasta, easy pasta dinner, garlic butter pasta, comfort food pasta
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Wholesome whisk team
Food and Lifestyle Blogger
Welcome to WholesomeWhisk.com,where each recipe is a warm embrace and a shared smile. Born on Pinterest from your encouragement and love, we’ve turned our passion for simple, soul-satisfying dishes into this cozy blog. Here, we celebrate every batter-covered bowl, small kitchen victory, and memory that lingers long after the last bite. Pull up a chair, and let’s nourish body and spirit together.