One Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This ultra-creamy one-pot garlic parmesan pasta tastes like something you’d order at a cozy Italian restaurant, but it comes together in a single pot with almost no cleanup. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that buttery garlic flavor for a rich, silky dinner that’s perfect for busy nights.

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Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti, linguine or fettuccine (fettuccini is a favorite as it really holds all the epic sauce!;)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup water (or more broth)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt (adjust later)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 ¼ cups finely grated parmesan or pecorino romano (very fine is key)
Optional add-ins: cooked chicken, browned mushrooms, shrimp, spinach
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat
Add garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant
Pour in broth, water, seasoning, salt, and pepper
Add pasta and gently press into liquid
Bring to a light boil, then reduce to simmer
Cook uncovered 10–12 minutes, stirring often as pasta releases starch
When liquid looks creamy and pasta is tender, turn heat to low
Slowly sprinkle in grated cheese while stirring continuously
Keep stirring until sauce turns glossy and thick
Add protein or veggies if using and warm through
Finish with parsley and extra cheese

Variations

Use freshly grated cheese only (pre-shredded won’t melt smoothly)
Finish with a sprinkle of buttered bread crumbs for extra richness, flavor, and the perfect crispy texture!
Add a splash of pasta water or broth if sauce tightens too much
Pecorino romano gives deeper savory flavor than parmesan
Finish with lemon zest for restaurant brightness
Add cracked black pepper generously for an extra zip!

If you love easy one-pot meals, don’t miss this easy Shrimp Linguine with Garlic Butter, the One-Pot French Onion Pasta, made with caramelized onions, savory broth, and melty cheese for a rich, cozy flavor, and the One-Pot Lasagna, layered with creamy ricotta and hearty marinara for a quick, comforting dinner that goes from stove to table in under 30 minutes! And if you’re looking for a fresh, zippy one pot meal this One Pot Creamy Feta, Lemon, Chicken & Rice will do just the trick! And if you’re craving a cozy, creamy one pot meal, this One Pot Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta will hit the comfort-food sweet spot in under 30 minutes! And if you’re craving bold, savory comfort in one pot, this One Pot Chicken Stir Fry Pasta brings saucy noodles and tender chicken together super fast with no dishes drama!

If you love dinners that are easy, cozy, and not a dish explosion, you’ll LOVE these one pot meals: Best One Pot Meals (Easy Dinners for Busy Nights)!

And…want to know why one pot meals taste better than they should?! Here is the scoop;)

Love garlic? We triple-dog-dare you to click here.. 😉