One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that combines rich flavors with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights!
This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is not only easy to make but also a delightful dish that brings the comfort of a homemade meal to your table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and flavorful sauce that coats every strand of pasta
- Minimal cleanup with just one pot used
- Quick to prepare, perfect for busy evenings
- Versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins
A Quick Weeknight Meal
When life gets busy, preparing dinner can often feel like a daunting task. This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is designed to simplify your evening routine. With just a few ingredients and a single pot, you can whip up a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also requires minimal effort, allowing you to spend more time enjoying dinner and less time cleaning up afterward.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those hectic evenings. Whether you’ve just come home from work or spent the day running errands, this pasta dish ensures that you can put a wholesome meal on the table without the stress. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to indulge in rich flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customization Options
One of the best aspects of this One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is its versatility. While the base recipe is delicious on its own, it also serves as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli, to enhance the nutritional value and add some vibrant color to the dish.
If you’re looking to add protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to adapt to your dietary preferences and ingredient availability, making it a staple in your meal rotation.
Perfect Pairings
To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing this creamy pasta with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. A simple mixed greens salad dressed in a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta beautifully, adding a refreshing contrast to the meal.
For those who enjoy a little extra indulgence, serving with buttery garlic bread not only enhances the flavor but also adds a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, these pairings will make your One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta even more delightful.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Combine all ingredients for a delicious and easy meal!
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Broth and Pasta
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.
Make it Creamy
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your creamy garlic pasta!
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The creamy sauce will keep the pasta deliciously moist, but it’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
To reheat, simply add a splash of broth or water in a pan and warm over low heat, stirring gently. This will help to revive the creaminess of the sauce and ensure that your leftovers taste just as good as when they were freshly made.
Nutritional Information
This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch. With a base of vegetable broth and the option to add various vegetables, you can increase the fiber and vitamin content of the dish. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese provide a dose of calcium and protein, making this meal both satisfying and nourishing.
For those watching their dietary intake, consider substituting lighter options like half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. This way, you can enjoy the creamy texture without sacrificing your health goals.
Cooking Tips
For the best results, make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks. This not only helps prevent sticking but also ensures that every strand is coated in that luscious garlic sauce. Additionally, taste test the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions suggest to achieve your perfect al dente texture.
Don't rush the process of melting the cheese into the sauce. Take your time and stir gently to incorporate it fully, which will give you that creamy, dreamy consistency that makes this dish so irresistible.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute with any pasta type you prefer, but cooking times may vary.
→ Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
→ Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta
This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that combines rich flavors with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Created by: Brielle Thompson
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 12g