Creamy Garlic Pasta: Easy One-Pot Weeknight Wonder (Print Version)

Easy One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta: your new favorite weeknight meal! Enjoy a comforting, flavorful dish with minimal cleanup. Quick & delicious!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 12 oz (about 340g) short pasta (like penne or fusilli)
02 - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
03 - 1 cup heavy cream

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (or more, I love garlic!)
05 - 1 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
07 - Salt to taste
08 - Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

→ Dairy & Finishing Touches

09 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

→ Optional Add-ins

10 - 2-3 cups fresh spinach
11 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
12 - Red pepper flakes, for a little kick

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your biggest pot or a deep skillet – remember, it's a one-pot wonder! Drizzle in a bit of olive oil and a pat of butter over medium heat. Once that butter melts and starts to shimmer, toss in your minced garlic. Oh, the smell! It's that warm, inviting aroma that tells you something delicious is coming. Stir it for just a minute, maybe two, until it's fragrant but not browned. I've burned garlic before, and let me tell you, that bitter taste lingers. Keep an eye on it!
02 - Next, pour in your broth and add the dry pasta right into the pot. Yep, uncooked! This is the beauty of this simple dish. Give it a good stir to make sure all the pasta is submerged. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, pop a lid on it, and let it cook. I always set a timer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. That's where I always get distracted and forget, leading to sticky bits at the bottom, oops.
03 - Once the pasta is al dente (meaning it still has a little bite), remove the lid. Most of the liquid should be absorbed by now. Pour in your heavy cream and stir it all together. Then, sprinkle in that glorious grated Parmesan cheese. Stir, stir, stir until it's all melted into a luscious, creamy sauce. You'll see it transform right before your eyes, thickening up and becoming truly irresistible. It just smells so rich, you know?
04 - Now for the greens! Add a big handful of fresh spinach to the pot. It might look like a mountain, but it will wilt down in no time. Just keep stirring gently until all the spinach is soft and vibrant green. I actually like adding a bit more than the recipe calls for because it adds a nice freshness and cuts through the richness a little. This step makes the meal feel a bit more balanced.
05 - Taste your pasta! This is crucial. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking. Sometimes it needs a bit more salt, sometimes less depending on your broth. If it seems a little too thick, a splash more broth or even pasta water can loosen it up. If it's too thin, a tiny bit more Parmesan can help. I always fiddle with it a bit here, honestly, just getting it *just* right.
06 - Once you're happy with the seasoning and consistency, ladle your delicious pasta into bowls. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even some red pepper flakes for a little kick is how I like to finish it. The pasta should be tender, the sauce thick and glossy, and that garlic aroma? Absolutely heavenly. Don't wait, dig in while it's warm and wonderfully creamy!

# Notes:

01 - Always stir your pasta frequently while it's simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. I learned this the hard way with a burnt bottom once!
02 - Best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of extra broth or cream to restore texture.
03 - Try swapping Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier kick if you're feeling adventurous.
04 - Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping into that incredible creamy sauce – it's a game-changer!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot or deep skillet
02 - wooden spoon
03 - grater

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 550
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 55g
Protein: 18g

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