This creamy, one-pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a quick and satisfying dinner that combines tender angel hair pasta with a rich, buttery sauce and savory Parmesan.
High in protein from cheese and paired with heart-healthy fats from butter, it’s a fiber-friendly, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, easy meal prep, or a cozy family dinner.
Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large skillet (10–12 inches)
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring Spoon Set
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 cheese grater
Ingredients
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ tsp onion powder optional
- ¼ tsp dried oregano optional
- ¼ tsp dried thyme optional
- ¼ tsp dried parsley optional
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients and Tools: Before turning on the stove, gather all your ingredients and equipment. Finely grate ½ cup of Parmesan cheese and set it aside to reach room temperature—this ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce. Mince 4 cloves of fresh garlic and measure out 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of milk, and 3 tablespoons of butter. If using optional seasonings like onion powder, oregano, thyme, or parsley, measure them now. Have a large skillet, wooden spoon, and measuring cups ready.
- Melt Butter for Garlic Base: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt completely, swirling the pan gently to coat the bottom. Keep an eye on it; the butter should become fragrant but not browned. This step creates the flavorful base for the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic for Aroma: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon for 1–2 minutes, until the garlic becomes golden and aromatic. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic will create a bitter taste. This step infuses the butter with a rich garlic flavor that will carry through the entire pasta.
- Combine Liquids and Seasonings: Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken broth while stirring to combine with the garlic butter. If using optional seasonings, sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon each of onion powder, oregano, thyme, parsley, and black pepper at this point. Next, gradually add 1 cup of milk, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated. This creates a creamy, flavorful liquid base for the pasta to cook in.
- Add Pasta to the Sauce: Once the liquid is simmering, carefully add 8 ounces of angel hair pasta to the skillet. If your skillet isn’t large enough to fit the noodles, break them in half. Use kitchen tongs to gently fold and twist the pasta into the liquid, allowing it to soak up the flavors. Ensure that all pasta strands are submerged for even cooking.
- Simmer Pasta to Perfection: Allow the pasta to simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Angel hair cooks very quickly, so monitor it closely. Reduce the heat to low once the noodles are tender but still slightly firm (al dente). The pasta will continue to absorb liquid and thicken the sauce even after you turn off the heat.
- Incorporate Butter for Extra Creaminess: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the warm pasta. Gently toss the noodles so the butter coats each strand evenly. This step enriches the sauce, making it velvety smooth and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Gradually Mix in Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet gradually, stirring continuously as it melts. This ensures a smooth, creamy consistency without clumps. If the sauce feels too thin at first, don’t worry—the cheese and pasta will thicken it naturally. Avoid adding all the cheese at once to prevent separation and graininess.
- Final Taste and Adjustments: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning as needed, adding a pinch more salt or pepper to suit your preference. If desired, you can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for added richness.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while hot, ideally with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or your choice of protein such as lemon pepper chicken or creamy garlic shrimp.
Notes
- Always grate your Parmesan cheese fresh. Pre-grated or pre-packaged cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting, while freshly grated cheese blends smoothly into the sauce.
- Keep a close eye on angel hair pasta—it cooks extremely fast. Set a timer and taste-test early to prevent overcooking, which can make noodles mushy.
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese to the warm pasta rather than all at once. Stir continuously to create a creamy, lump-free sauce.
- Use high-quality butter and chicken broth for deeper flavor. Substituting with unsalted versions lets you control the salt level more precisely.
- The sauce will naturally thicken as the pasta absorbs liquid. Don’t panic if it seems thin at first—it will reach a luscious consistency within a few minutes.
Chef’s Secrets For Creamy Perfection
The secret to this Garlic Parmesan Pasta lies in layering flavors.
Begin by slowly sautéing garlic in butter, which creates a fragrant base for the sauce.
Adding milk gradually while stirring prevents separation and encourages a smooth, creamy texture.
Always turn off the heat slightly before incorporating the Parmesan if the sauce is too hot, avoiding graininess.
Using freshly grated cheese at room temperature ensures the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy without clumping.
Finally, gently tossing the pasta in a bit of extra butter enhances silkiness and brings all flavors together.
Serving Suggestions For Maximum Enjoyment
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a variety of proteins and vegetables.
Serve alongside lemon pepper chicken or pan-seared shrimp for a satisfying main dish.
For a vegetarian twist, roasted broccoli, garlic sautéed mushrooms, or a crisp green salad complement the richness of the sauce.
Add garlic bread or toasted baguette slices to soak up any leftover creamy sauce.
Garnishing with fresh parsley or a light dusting of extra Parmesan adds visual appeal and a burst of freshness to each plate.
Storage Tips For Later Use
To store leftover Garlic Parmesan Pasta, allow it to cool slightly before placing it in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Avoid microwaving without adding liquid, as this can dry out the noodles.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While angel hair is ideal for its quick cooking and delicate texture, spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine can also work. Adjust cooking times slightly to prevent overcooking.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it fully vegetarian. The rich, creamy sauce will still provide plenty of flavor.
3. How can I make the sauce extra creamy?
Use room-temperature Parmesan and add a touch more butter or milk as needed. Gradually mixing cheese into slightly cooled sauce prevents separation and ensures smoothness.
4. Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the pasta to slightly firmer than al dente and store the sauce separately. Combine and gently reheat when ready to serve for best texture.
5. Can I add extra vegetables or protein?
Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, peas, or cooked chicken or shrimp can be added directly to the skillet before finishing the sauce. This boosts nutrition and makes the dish more substantial.
