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One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

This One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Small pasta shapes simmer directly in a savory garlic-infused broth, creating a rich and velvety sauce that clings to every bite.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1.5 cups small pasta ditalini or small shells
  • 1.5-2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pan or skillet

Method
 

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large pan or skillet over medium-low heat and add the olive oil. Once warm, add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
    1-2 tbsp olive oil, 6 cloves garlic, 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  2. Toast the Pasta: Add the dry, small pasta directly to the pan with the garlic. Stir for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the pasta, which adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps the noodles hold their shape.
    1.5 cups small pasta
  3. Simmer in Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Depending on your specific pasta shape, you may need closer to 2 cups of broth. Let the pasta simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
    1.5-2 cups chicken broth
  4. Incorporate the Cream: When the pasta is nearly cooked and most of the broth has been absorbed, pour in the heavy cream. Mix well and return to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking until the pasta reaches an al dente consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of extra chicken broth.
    1 cup heavy cream
  5. Finish and Season: Stir in the butter and parmesan cheese until melted and glossy. Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
    2 tbsp butter, 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, salt & pepper, parsley

Notes

Pay close attention to liquid levels, adding a splash of extra broth if the pan looks dry before the pasta is tender. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest results.
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