Name: One Pan Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 3-4 cloves); 2 tablespoons butter; 8 ounces uncooked linguine noodles; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup warmed milk/cream (half nonfat milk, half heavy cream); 1/2 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese (off the block); 1 tablespoon fresh minced parsley, for garnish

If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly satisfying pasta dish that comes together with minimal fuss, the One Pan Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. This easy, dreamy dish combines the boldness of garlic, the richness of Parmesan cheese, and silky noodles all cooked in a single pan, making dinnertime both delicious and delightfully simple. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want to impress without the mess.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a large black pan filled with cooked spaghetti noodles covered in thick, creamy, white sauce that bubbles gently along the edges, with the smooth sauce coating the noodles evenly, and the pan resting on a stove with part of a white marbled surface visible nearby, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its straightforward, quality ingredients that each bring something special to the table. Every component plays a role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this pasta unforgettable.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and serves as the perfect base for sautéing garlic.
Minced garlic: The star flavor packed with aromatic punch that wakes up your taste buds immediately.
Butter: Brings a luscious creaminess that coats every strand of noodle.
Uncooked linguine noodles: The ideal pasta shape to soak up the garlicky, cheesy sauce beautifully.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Infuses savory depth, preventing the dish from feeling one-dimensional.
Salt and pepper: Enhance all flavors gently without overpowering the freshness.
Milk and cream (or half and half): Creates the silky sauce texture that makes this pasta irresistibly creamy.
Fresh shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds that signature sharp, nutty finish that’s essential for an authentic Parmesan pasta experience.
Fresh minced parsley: A pop of verdant color and a light, herbal note to brighten the plate.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make One Pan Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Savor the garlic aroma

Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, then add the minced garlic. Keep stirring it gently until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to turn a lovely golden brown, about one minute. This step is crucial because it unlocks that deep, tempting garlicky foundation for the whole dish.

Step 2: Combine pasta and liquids

Next, add the uncooked linguine noodles right into the skillet along with the salt, pepper, butter, chicken broth, and milk/cream mixture. Give everything a good stir to make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the flavorful bath, then bring the whole pan to a rolling boil, letting all those simple ingredients mingle.

Step 3: Cook with care

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let everything simmer for 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. If you’re in a hurry, stir constantly over medium heat for about 10 minutes—that shorter method works great too and keeps things moving. It’s all about achieving that perfectly creamy yet tender pasta texture.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan magic

Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and toss the noodles gently to separate them. Gradually sprinkle in the fresh shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring it in to melt smoothly and create that irresistible silky coating. A microplane grater works wonders here, allowing you to grate directly over the pasta for maximum cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Finally, sprinkle the minced parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful finishing touch and get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of pure satisfaction.

How to Serve One Pan Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

The fresh minced parsley is more than just decoration—it adds a bright, slightly peppery contrast to the rich Parmesan sauce. You can also experiment with extra Parmesan shavings or even a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with light, crisp salads like a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for added texture and nutrition. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also complement the creamy pasta perfectly, soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crispy pancetta on top. You can even turn it into a crowd-pleasing casserole by layering with extra cheese and popping it under the broiler for a golden finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pan Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal.

Freezing

Freezing this pasta isn’t the best option since the creamy sauce can separate and become grainy. If needed, freeze in small portions and thaw gently in the fridge overnight, then reheat carefully to preserve texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While linguine works perfectly, you can substitute with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Just keep an eye on cooking times since different shapes absorb liquid differently.

Is there a vegetarian version of this One Pan Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and you have a vegetarian-friendly dish that’s just as flavorful and creamy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To adapt for dairy-free needs, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free spread. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep that cheesy flavor.

How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. These options boost the protein content while complementing the creamy sauce beautifully.

What’s the secret to getting a creamy sauce without it being too watery?

The key is balancing the amount of liquid you add and cooking the pasta slowly so it absorbs the broth and cream. Stirring occasionally ensures the starch from the pasta thickens the sauce naturally without losing richness.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this One Pan Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe quickly became one of my favorite weeknight saviors because it’s simple, fast, and absolutely packed with flavor. If you want a fuss-free meal that feels indulgent and homey, you really can’t go wrong giving this one a try. Grab your skillet, gather those ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with pasta all over again.

One Pan Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need