Name: Cheesy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta – Easy One Pot Pasta Recipes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 16 ounces linguine or fettuccine; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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what comes out tastes like a cozy hug in a bowl, I’m calling that a win. This one’s loaded with garlic, Parmesan, and just enough cream to make it feel special without knocking you into a food coma. If you’ve ever had one of those days where the idea of doing a mountain of dishes sends you straight into ‘let’s order takeout’ mode, this one pot pasta is for you. It’s rich, comforting, and the cleanup? Practically nonexistent. We’re talking one pot. That’s it. No colander. No extra pan for sauce. Just dinner that cooks itself while you pour a glass of wine. This recipe hits all the right notes: garlic that blooms in butter, pasta that soaks up every last bit of flavor, and a cheesy finish that clings to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just yourself after a long day, this one pot garlic Parmesan pasta is quick, comforting, and gets the job done with style.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Cheesy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
3) Ingredients for Cheesy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
4) How to Make Cheesy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
5) Tips for Making Cheesy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
6) Making Cheesy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Cheesy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
8) Try these One Pot recipes next!
9) Cheesy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This one pot pasta recipe comes together in under 30 minutes
It’s made with garlic, Parmesan, cream, and pantry staples
Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup
Great for beginners, pasta lovers, and garlic fans alike

2) Easy Cheesy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

One pot pasta recipes have saved me on more nights than I care to admit. You know those evenings where you’re just over it? No energy, no desire to do dishes, and somehow still responsible for feeding actual people? This pasta steps in like the hero it is—minimal mess, big flavor, and everyone at the table ends up quiet (because they’re eating, not sulking).

I love how the pasta cooks right in the broth and milk. It soaks up all the garlicky, buttery goodness. Toss in Parmesan, stir in cream, and you’ve got comfort in a bowl. It’s fast, filling, and oh-so-creamy without being fussy. Bonus points if you sneak in a few handfuls of spinach at the end. I won’t tell.

What I like most about this one pot garlic Parmesan pasta is that it tastes indulgent, but doesn’t require a culinary degree or a dishwasher on standby. It’s everything a quick one pot pasta should be—easy, cozy, and better than takeout.

3) Ingredients for Cheesy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Olive Oil: This is the base that helps our garlic wake up. A tablespoon is all you need to get that aromatic party started.

Garlic: Use four fresh cloves and mince them fine. That gentle burn in the back of your throat? That’s the magic of real garlic doing its thing.

Butter: A couple tablespoons of butter melts into the oil and garlic, mellowing everything out and setting the stage for a luscious sauce.

Chicken Broth: Four cups of broth not only cook the pasta, they build flavor into every strand. Go for low-sodium if you want to control the salt.

Milk: Two cups of milk round things out and give your sauce a creamy backbone without being heavy.

Salt and Pepper: Just a half teaspoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper bring the balance. Adjust at the end to taste.

Pasta: Linguine or fettuccine works best here—about 16 ounces. The kind of pasta that hugs sauce like it means it.

Parmesan Cheese: A full cup of grated Parmesan melts right into the sauce. The saltiness, the nutty punch—don’t skip it.

Heavy Cream: Half a cup goes in at the end to pull everything together. It’s the secret to that velvety finish.

Fresh Parsley: Totally optional, but a little green on top makes it feel fresh and fancy—without trying too hard.

4) How to Make Cheesy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Step 1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot. Add minced garlic and stir for about a minute. You’ll smell when it’s ready.

Step 2. Add butter, broth, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until the butter melts and things look steamy.

Step 3. Toss in the pasta. Don’t break it—just give it a push down and let the heat soften it into the pot. Lower the heat once it boils.

Step 4. Simmer uncovered, stirring often to keep things from sticking. After 18–20 minutes, your pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.

Step 5. Stir in the Parmesan and heavy cream. Keep it on the heat for a few minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.

Step 6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Bonus points for cracked pepper on top.

5) Tips for Making Cheesy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Stir the pasta often. One pot pasta recipes cook directly in the sauce, so it’s key to give things a gentle stir every few minutes to avoid sticking or clumping.

Use fresh garlic, not the jarred stuff. It makes a difference—both in smell and taste. If you’ve got it, use it. If not, maybe hold off until you do.

Don’t panic if the sauce looks thin at first. Once the cheese melts and everything rests for a few minutes off the heat, it’ll thicken into that dreamy consistency you’re aiming for.

6) Making Cheesy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Ahead of Time

Planning to meal prep? This pasta holds up well. Once it cools, store it in a sealed container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen things up.

If you’re doubling the recipe, cook in batches. One pot pasta recipes can thicken fast when overloaded. Better to cook twice than end up with a gluey mess.

It’s ideal to add herbs and toppings—like parsley or extra cheese—just before serving. They lose their punch if they sit too long in the fridge.

7) Storing Leftover Cheesy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days in the fridge. This quick one pot pasta does well with a short microwave reheat and a splash of milk stirred in.

The sauce thickens more as it chills. That’s not a bad thing—it just needs a little wake-up when you bring it back to life.

If you’re freezing it, portion it into single servings and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Just know that cream-based sauces aren’t always freezer-friendly, so eat it fresh if you can.

8) Try these One Pot recipes next!

9) Cheesy One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta