Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Tender angel hair pasta cooked in a creamy, buttery Parmesan sauce, flavored with fresh garlic and herbs. Ready in just 20 minutes, this one-pot pasta is a protein-rich, comforting meal perfect for weeknights or easy meal prep.
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.
