Description
This creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a quick and easy one-pot dish where angel hair pasta cooks in a flavorful buttery cream sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this comforting American-Italian fusion recipe features a rich blend of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and creamy milk, making it an ideal main course for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz. angel hair pasta
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon parsley
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Parmesan Cheese: Grate the Parmesan cheese finely and set it aside at room temperature to ensure smoother melting later in the recipe.
- Melt Butter and Cook Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and add the optional seasoning mix (onion powder, oregano, thyme, parsley, pepper). Gradually add the milk while stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil to blend flavors.
- Add Pasta: Add the angel hair pasta to the skillet. You can break the strands in half if needed to fit the pan better or let the noodles soften and twist them with tongs to fit fully into the skillet.
- Simmer Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the pasta for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and clumping, paying attention to the package cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- Finish with Butter and Cheese: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pasta and toss to coat. Turn off the heat, then gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until the sauce turns smooth and creamy. The sauce will initially be thin but will thicken as it sits.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta for color and freshness. Serve immediately, ideally paired with garlic bread or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Make sure the liquid is boiling before adding the pasta to achieve the best sauce consistency.
- The recipe works well with milk or half-and-half; however, milk yields a slightly thinner sauce that is preferable to avoid too thick a coating.
- Use a high-quality block Parmesan cheese shredded fresh for optimal flavor and meltability. Avoid very aged Parmesan, which may not melt smoothly.
- Turn off the heat before adding Parmesan to prevent the dairy from separating and producing a grainy texture.
- Add cheese gradually while stirring to ensure a creamy, well-combined sauce.
- If you only have spaghetti available, you can try substituting in this recipe or check out the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe using spaghetti and chicken.
- Serve this pasta with Lemon Pepper Chicken, Creamy Garlic Shrimp, Chicken Piccata, Chicken Florentine, or simply alongside Garlic Bread with Cheese and Roasted Broccoli for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian