Garlic Parmesan Pasta (One Pot!): 20-Minute Creamy Angel Hair Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Combining angel hair pasta with a rich garlic-infused parmesan sauce, simmered in chicken broth and milk, it’s both easy to prepare and delightfully comforting. Garnished with fresh parsley and served best alongside garlic bread with cheese, this pasta recipe promises a luscious, cheesy experience in just 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Cheese and Butter
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
Aromatics
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
Pasta
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Prep Parmesan: Grate the Parmesan cheese finely and set it aside to come to room temperature, which helps it melt smoothly into the sauce later.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter to prepare the base for the garlic flavor.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to release its aroma without burning.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, then slowly add the milk while stirring continuously. Bring this mixture to a boil to combine all flavors.
- Add Pasta: Add the angel hair pasta to the skillet. You may break the noodles in half for better fit or wait for them to soften and use tongs to submerge them fully into the liquid.
- Simmer Pasta: Let the pasta simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once pasta is cooked, reduce heat to low for the next step.
- Add Butter: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pasta and toss well to coat each strand in the buttery sauce.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually sprinkle in the room temperature Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Though initially thin, the sauce will thicken as it stands.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately, ideally accompanied by garlic bread with cheese for a complete meal.
Notes
- Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly, so be sure to watch the time carefully to avoid overcooking, which can make the noodles clumpy.
- Breaking the pasta in half helps it fit better in the skillet and cook evenly.
- The sauce will be thin initially but will thicken upon standing as the pasta absorbs more liquid.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key for melting and flavor; pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
