One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

$- 300g fettuccine or linguine pasta - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 500ml vegetable broth (2 cups) - 240ml heavy cream (1 cup) In this dish, the pasta serves as the base. I love using fettuccine or linguine. They soak up the sauce well. Next, we have garlic. Fresh garlic adds a rich flavor and aroma. The olive oil helps sauté the garlic, giving it a smooth finish. Vegetable broth is key for depth. It enhances the overall taste of the pasta. Finally, heavy cream creates that luscious, creamy texture. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - 50g grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup), plus more for serving - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a burst of brightness) Seasonings bring the dish to life. Italian seasoning adds a mix of herbs. Parmesan cheese enriches the sauce. Salt and pepper are must-haves for balance. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. If you want brightness, lemon zest is a game-changer. It lifts the flavors and makes the dish more vibrant. Each ingredient plays a role in making this creamy garlic pasta truly special. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. You want it to smell great, but be careful not to brown it. Burnt garlic can taste bitter. Next, pour in the vegetable broth. Bring this mix to a light simmer. The broth will soak up all those yummy garlic flavors. Now, it’s time for the pasta! Add your fettuccine or linguine to the pot. Make sure all the pasta is under the broth. Stir gently to keep it from sticking. Cover the pot with a lid. Cook the pasta for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until it is al dente. Stir it occasionally for even cooking. When the pasta is ready, lower the heat. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Italian seasoning on top. Stir well to combine everything. Now, it’s cheese time! Gradually add the grated Parmesan. Stir continuously until it melts and mixes in. This creates a smooth and creamy sauce. Taste your pasta and add salt and freshly cracked pepper as needed. If you want a bit of brightness, add lemon zest. Mix everything well. Let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes off the heat. This helps the sauce thicken just a bit. Now, your creamy garlic pasta is ready to enjoy! To get that rich, creamy sauce, stir while you add the cheese. This helps the cheese melt evenly, giving you a smooth sauce. If your sauce is too thick, add more broth or cream. This way, you can find the perfect balance for your dish. Spices and herbs can boost flavor. Italian seasoning adds warmth and depth. You can also experiment with red pepper flakes for heat. For a bright touch, add lemon zest. This little addition lifts the dish and makes it pop! Use a large pot or deep skillet for one-pot cooking. A non-stick surface helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. Quality ingredients matter too. Fresh garlic and good cheese will elevate your dish and make it taste amazing. Pro Tips Garlic Timing: Add the garlic only until fragrant to avoid bitterness. Overcooked garlic can ruin the dish. Pasta Cooking: Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to ensure it doesn’t stick together or to the pot. Cheese Incorporation: Gradually add the Parmesan to the sauce while stirring for a smoother texture and better melting. Resting Time: Allow the pasta to sit for a couple of minutes after cooking. This helps the sauce to thicken and cling to the pasta better. {{image_4}} You can easily adapt this dish to fit your diet. For a vegan option, use plant-based cream instead of heavy cream. Many brands offer great alternatives that taste creamy and work well in this recipe. You can also swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. This change keeps the dish tasty while catering to gluten sensitivities. Want to change up the flavor? Adding vegetables can enhance the dish. Spinach and mushrooms are fantastic choices. They add color, nutrition, and a lovely texture. You can also incorporate proteins like chicken or shrimp. These add heartiness and make the pasta more filling. Just cook the protein before adding it to the pot. Cheese can make or break a creamy pasta dish. If you want to try something new, replace Parmesan with other cheese varieties. Pecorino Romano or Asiago can bring different flavors. If you're avoiding dairy, use nutritional yeast. It has a cheesy taste and is a great option for adding depth to the dish. To store leftover creamy garlic pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to eat it. When you reheat the pasta, use a pot on low heat. Stir it often to keep it creamy. If the sauce is thick, add a splash of broth or cream. This helps bring back the smooth texture. You can also use a microwave, but do it in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. Yes, you can freeze creamy pasta! To do this, let it cool completely. Store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently, adding a bit of cream or broth to help the sauce. Making One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta takes about 20 minutes. - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 10 minutes In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a rich and creamy meal. It’s quick but full of flavor! Yes, you can use different types of pasta. - Penne: Great for holding sauce. - Spaghetti: Classic choice for a creamy dish. - Gluten-Free Pasta: If needed, this works well too. Feel free to swap pasta types based on what you have. Just adjust the cook time as needed. To make it less creamy, try these tips: - Reduce Heavy Cream: Use less than the full cup. - Add More Broth: Increase the vegetable broth for a lighter sauce. - Use Milk: Substitute some cream with milk for a thinner texture. These changes keep the dish tasty while making it less rich. This blog covered key steps to make one-pot creamy garlic pasta. You learned about essential ingredients like pasta, garlic, and cream. We discussed cooking methods and tips for perfect texture. Plus, we explored variations for different diets and flavor preferences. Remember, quality ingredients matter for great taste. Now, you have the tools to make a delicious dish that everyone can enjoy. Dive in and enjoy cooking!$

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish cooked in one pot with garlic and Parmesan.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

300 g fettuccine or linguine pasta
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
500 ml vegetable broth
240 ml heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
50 g grated Parmesan cheese
to taste Salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped
zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
Add the finely minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant.
Carefully pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a light simmer.
Introduce the fettuccine or linguine pasta to the pot, ensuring all strands are submerged in the broth.
Cover the pot with a lid and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally.
When the pasta reaches an al dente texture, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with the Italian seasoning.
Gradually sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the pot while stirring continuously.
Season the dish with salt, freshly cracked pepper, and optional lemon zest, stirring until everything is well mixed.
Once combined, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken the sauce.

Notes

Serve with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish.

Keyword creamy, garlic, one-pot, pasta