One-Skillet Garlic Parmesan Pasta

$- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or linguine - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added flavor) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon zest (optional, for brightness) When making One-Skillet Garlic Parmesan Pasta, I love using spaghetti or linguine. These pasta types soak up the sauce well. The butter and garlic create a rich base, while the broth adds depth. Heavy cream and Parmesan make the dish creamy and cheesy. Dried herbs give it that Italian touch. - Extra Parmesan for topping - Red pepper flakes for a kick - Sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness - Fresh basil for added freshness These extras can change the dish's flavor. Adding red pepper flakes gives it heat. Sun-dried tomatoes add a lovely sweetness. Fresh basil brightens the dish up. Feel free to mix and match! - Large skillet - Wooden spoon or spatula - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife and cutting board - Serving bowls Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A large skillet helps cook everything in one pot. A wooden spoon is great for stirring without scratching your skillet. Use a knife for chopping garlic and parsley. Make sure to have your measuring cups handy for accuracy! {{ingredient_image_1}} Gather your ingredients first. You will need: - 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or linguine - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish - Lemon zest (optional) Make sure you have a large skillet ready. This will help you cook everything in one pot. Start by melting the butter in your skillet over medium heat. When it melts, add your minced garlic. Sauté it for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let it brown; you want it fragrant. Next, pour in the broth and let it simmer gently. Add your uncooked spaghetti to the skillet. Press it down into the broth so it's covered. Stir occasionally while it cooks for 10-12 minutes. Check the pasta for doneness; it should be al dente. Most of the broth will absorb during this time. Now, turn the heat down to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it becomes smooth and creamy. Next, add the dried Italian herbs and season with salt and pepper. If you like, add some lemon zest for extra flavor. Remove the skillet from the heat. Let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes. This will help it thicken up nicely. To serve, dish the pasta into deep bowls. Top with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A lemon wedge on the side can brighten up the dish even more. Enjoy your creamy delight! To get a creamy sauce, use heavy cream. This gives the sauce a rich texture. Stir the cream in slowly after cooking the pasta. It helps the sauce combine well. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Add it in small amounts, mixing well each time. If you want extra brightness, add lemon zest at the end. One common mistake is cooking the garlic too long. It can turn bitter and ruin the dish. Also, avoid using too much broth. Too much liquid makes the pasta watery. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Lastly, don’t skip the seasoning. Salt and pepper are key for flavor. Serve this pasta with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works well. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. These pair nicely with the creamy sauce. For extra flavor, top with more Parmesan and fresh parsley. A slice of lemon on the side brightens the dish even more. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a much stronger and more vibrant flavor than pre-minced or powdered garlic. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. This will also help the sauce adhere better to the pasta. Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is traditional, try mixing in other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a bit of mozzarella for added creaminess. Garnish Smartly: Fresh herbs not only enhance the flavor but also add a pop of color. Consider basil or chives in addition to parsley. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to this dish. Chicken is a great choice. Cook diced chicken in the skillet before adding garlic. For shrimp, just toss them in with the pasta. They cook fast and add a nice touch. If you want to keep it light, use vegetables. Zucchini, broccoli, or spinach work well. Just sauté them with the garlic for extra flavor. While spaghetti or linguine are classic choices, you can switch it up. Try penne or farfalle for fun shapes. Gluten-free pasta is also an option if needed. Just make sure to adjust cooking time. The key is to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the creamy sauce. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes for heat. Just a pinch can make a big difference. For a more herbal taste, use fresh herbs. Basil or thyme can bring a fresh flavor. You can even add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra punch. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite mix! To keep your One-Skillet Garlic Parmesan Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool for about 30 minutes before sealing. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess. Place the container in the fridge. Your pasta will stay good for up to three days. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet over low heat to warm the pasta. Add a splash of broth or cream to help it regain its creamy texture. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between. This will help it heat evenly. If you want to save the pasta for later, freezing is a great option. Divide the pasta into portions, and use freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to squeeze out the air before sealing. It will stay fresh for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps keep the flavor and texture intact. Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta. Just check the cooking time. Gluten-free pasta often cooks faster. Keep an eye on it as you stir. You can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a lighter option, try cashew cream. Each will change the texture a bit but still taste great. The dish lasts about three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. When you reheat, add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and let it cool. Store it in the fridge. Add sauce and heat when ready to serve. This pasta pairs well with salad or garlic bread. You could also serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp for more protein. A light white wine can enhance the meal too. You explored key elements of making a delicious One-Skillet Garlic Parmesan Pasta. We covered the main ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for the best creamy sauce. Remember to customize it with proteins or different pasta types for variety. Proper storage can keep your dish fresh, and reheating is easy. Use our FAQs for quick answers. Enjoy cooking and savoring this dish, knowing you can make it just right!$

One-Skillet Garlic Parmesan Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish made in one skillet with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or linguine
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added flavor)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
to taste Salt and pepper
to garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
to taste Lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure it does not brown.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Add the uncooked spaghetti directly into the skillet, pressing it down into the broth. Ensure pasta is submerged.
Stir occasionally and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Reduce heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Incorporate the dried Italian herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste.
If desired, add a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra layer of flavor.
Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes to thicken.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the pasta in deep bowls, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A wedge of lemon on the side can enhance both flavor and presentation.

Keyword garlic, one-skillet, Parmesan, pasta