One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

 

One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Description

A creamy, cheesy pasta dish that comes together in just one pot, perfect for busy weeknights. This One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With minimal cleanup, it’s the ideal solution for a delicious and stress-free dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 8 ounces uncooked pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 1 cup cooked and diced chicken (optional)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the Olive Oil

   • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic.
   • Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.

2. Add the Liquids

   • Pour in the chicken broth and milk into the pot. Stir well to combine with the garlic and oil.

3. Add the Pasta

   • Add the uncooked pasta to the pot. If you are using long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine, you may need to break it in half to fit into the pot. Stir the pasta into the liquid, ensuring it is mostly submerged.

4. Season

   • Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.

5. Cook the Pasta

   • Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low.
   • Allow the pasta to cook, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

6. Add the Parmesan Cheese

   • Once the pasta is cooked to your desired doneness, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

7. Optional Add-Ins

   • If you’re adding cooked chicken or frozen peas, stir them in at this point. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the peas are tender.

8. Finish and Serve

   • Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve the pasta immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Tips and Variations

1. Protein Options

   • This dish is very versatile. You can add cooked shrimp, sausage, or even tofu instead of chicken for a different protein option.

2. Vegetables

   • Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables along with the garlic at the beginning.

3. Herbs

   • Fresh basil or thyme can be used in place of parsley for a different flavor profile.

4. Creaminess

   • For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream along with the milk.

5. Low-Carb Option

   • Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb version.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg