One-Skillet Garlic Parmesan Pasta Easy and Flavorful Meal

November 17, 2025September 16, 2025 by Chef Miles

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 8 oz spaghetti or linguine

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for richer flavor)

To start, you’ll need a base of pasta. I love using 8 ounces of spaghetti or linguine for this dish. You can choose your favorite type. Next, we need 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. It adds a rich flavor that makes this meal shine. Don’t forget the star of the show: 4 cloves of minced garlic. It gives our dish that deep, savory taste. Finally, we use 3 cups of vegetable broth or chicken broth. The broth adds moisture and flavor as the pasta cooks.

Dairy Components

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For creaminess, we need 1 cup of heavy cream. It gives the sauce a smooth texture. The final touch is 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese melts beautifully and adds a salty, savory layer to our dish.

Seasonings and Garnishes

– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped

– Lemon zest (optional)

To boost flavor, we add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. This mix of oregano, basil, and thyme works wonders. Salt and pepper are key to enhancing the taste. Use these to your liking. For a bright finish, we sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. If you want a zesty twist, add lemon zest as a refreshing option.

These ingredients come together to create a simple yet rich meal. Enjoy cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it bubble gently. Next, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant, but not browned. Browning can make the garlic taste bitter. After that, pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir it in and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cooking the Pasta

Once the broth simmers, add the uncooked spaghetti or linguine. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth. If needed, press it down gently. Cook the pasta uncovered for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. You want the pasta to be al dente, with most of the liquid absorbed.

Finishing Touches

When the pasta is ready, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the dried Italian herbs. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For a bright hint, add lemon zest if you like. Take the skillet off the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the sauce thicken. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

When you make One-Skillet Garlic Parmesan Pasta, the broth is key. I suggest using vegetable broth for a light taste. If you want more richness, chicken broth works great too. Adjust the salt and pepper to fit your taste. Taste as you go, and feel free to add more herbs if you like.

Cooking Perfect Pasta

To get that perfect al dente pasta, watch your cooking time closely. Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking. Cooking it uncovered allows the liquid to absorb better.

Presentation Suggestions

Serve your pasta in deep bowls for a warm look. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for a nice touch. Chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness. A lemon wedge on the side brightens both the dish and your plate.

Variations

Protein Additions

You can easily make this dish heartier by adding protein. Chicken or shrimp works well. To use chicken, cook diced pieces in the skillet before adding garlic. This way, the chicken absorbs the flavors. For shrimp, add them when the pasta is almost done. They cook quickly and add a nice touch.

If you prefer a meat-free option, think about adding vegetables. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can add color and nutrition. Just sauté them with the garlic to keep the flavors balanced.

Flavor Twists

Want to switch things up? Try different cheese blends. Mozzarella or asiago can change the taste. Mixing cheeses gives a rich, creamy feel. You can also experiment with spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat. Paprika or smoked paprika can also bring a new depth of flavor.

Dietary Modifications

If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Rice or corn-based pasta works well in this recipe. Make sure to check the cooking time, as it may differ from regular pasta.

For those who need dairy-free options, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps help you enjoy this dish while meeting dietary needs.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftover pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They seal well and help keep flavors intact.

Reheating Methods

For reheating, I suggest using the stovetop. This method keeps the pasta creamy. Just add a splash of water or broth when reheating. Stir it gently over low heat until warm.

You can use a microwave, too. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short intervals, stirring in between. This helps it heat evenly.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze garlic parmesan pasta if you want. Just make sure it’s fully cooled first. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, you can use the microwave. Heat it gently to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid reheating too much, as it can change the texture.

FAQs

What is One-Skillet Garlic Parmesan Pasta?

One-Skillet Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a simple, tasty dish. It combines spaghetti or linguine with garlic, butter, and creamy Parmesan cheese. The beauty of this dish lies in its ease. You cook everything in one skillet, which means less cleanup for you! The broth adds flavor and moisture, while the cheese creates a rich sauce. Fresh herbs and lemon zest add a bright finish. This dish is perfect for busy nights or a cozy dinner at home.

How long does it take to make?

Making this pasta is quick and easy. It takes about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients. The cooking time is around 10-12 minutes. So, you can have this meal ready in just 20 minutes! It’s great for when you need a fast yet delicious meal.

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?

Yes, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just remember that cooking times may vary. Whole wheat pasta may take a bit longer to cook. For gluten-free pasta, follow the package directions for cooking times. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth. This helps it cook evenly and absorb all the tasty flavors.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can make this dish vegan! To do this, swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter. Use a non-dairy cream, like coconut or cashew cream, as a substitute for heavy cream. For cheese, you can use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan. Follow the same steps, and you will have a delicious vegan meal!

This blog post covered everything you need for One-Skillet Garlic Parmesan Pasta. We explored main ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to enhance the dish. You learned how to make it taste great and look appetizing. Don’t forget to try variations with proteins or spices to suit your taste. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy creating this easy and delicious meal, making it your own with every preparation. Cooking should be fun and rewarding, so dive in and enjoy each bit