Creamy One-Pot Parmesan Pasta: Your New Go-To Easy Dinner Recipe

3 from 1 vote

Parmesan Pasta

By:

Julia Pacheco

This simple, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful pasta dish is packed with aromatic garlic and savory Parmesan. It’s the definition of comfort in a bowl, requiring minimal effort and delivering maximum deliciousness.

Prep:

5 minutes
mins

Cook:

20 minutes
mins

Total:

25 minutes
mins

Servings:

5
servings

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Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in this Parmesan pasta. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the creamy, savory, and slightly tangy profile that makes this dish so irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 
  ▢
  
  
  12
  oz
  fettuccini
  (or your preferred pasta shape, such as linguine or spaghetti)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  12.5
  oz
  can fire roasted tomatoes
  (these add a wonderful depth and subtle smoky flavor)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  white onion
  (finely diced for even cooking and flavor distribution)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  4.5
  cups
  chicken broth
  (low sodium is recommended to control saltiness; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  4
  garlic cloves
  (minced, for that essential aromatic base)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  lemon
  (juiced, to add a bright, zesty counterpoint to the richness)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  ½
  tbs
  salt
  (adjust to your taste, especially if using regular broth)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  tbs
  olive oil
  (extra virgin for flavor, or a neutral oil)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  ½
  tsp
  pepper
  (freshly ground black pepper for best results)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  tbs
  italian seasoning
  (a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  cup
  shredded parmesan cheese
  (freshly grated Parmesan melts best and provides superior flavor)

Using quality ingredients will significantly elevate the final taste of your Parmesan pasta. Opt for fresh garlic and onion whenever possible, and don’t shy away from a good quality Parmesan cheese – it makes all the difference in achieving that rich, authentic flavor and creamy texture.

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Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to create your delicious one-pot Parmesan pasta. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to cook everything together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Step 1: Combine Ingredients. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the olive oil, finely diced white onion, minced garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, uncooked fettuccini, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Ensure the fettuccini is mostly submerged in the liquid. If using a different pasta shape, adjust the amount of broth slightly to ensure it’s just covered.

• Step 2: Boil and Cook Pasta. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid and cook slightly even after the heat is turned off, so aim for a firm al dente texture at this stage.
• Step 3: Finish and Serve. Turn off the heat. Immediately stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a rich, creamy sauce. The residual heat will perfectly melt the cheese without overcooking it. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish.

Recipe Video

Watch Julia Pacheco demonstrate how to create this simple and satisfying one-pot Parmesan pasta. This video is part of a series showcasing 5 cheap and fancy one-pot recipes, perfect for quick dinner ideas and easy weeknight meals.

Seeing the process in action can be incredibly helpful, especially for visual learners. Follow along to ensure your pasta comes out perfectly creamy and delicious every time!

Nutrition Information

Calories:
440
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
59
g

|

Protein:
19
g

|

Fat:
14
g

|

Saturated Fat:
5
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
2
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
6
g

|

Trans Fat:
0.04
g

|

Cholesterol:
75
mg

|

Sodium:
1928
mg

|

Potassium:
309
mg

|

Fiber:
4
g

|

Sugar:
6
g

|

Vitamin A:
510
IU

|

Vitamin C:
15
mg

|

Calcium:
323
mg

|

Iron:
3
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredient brands and preparation methods.

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Tips for the Perfect One-Pot Parmesan Pasta

To ensure your Parmesan pasta turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Pasta Choice: While fettuccini is suggested, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with other long pasta shapes like linguine, spaghetti, or even short pastas like penne or rigatoni. Just ensure your chosen pasta fits comfortably in your pot and is adequately submerged in the broth.
• Al Dente Perfection: The cooking time of 7-9 minutes is a guideline. Always check your pasta a minute or two before the suggested time. You’re aiming for al dente—meaning cooked through but still firm to the bite. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook slightly in the residual heat after the pot is removed from the stove.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: This is a non-negotiable for the best results. Pre-shredded Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly, resulting in a grainy sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan will melt beautifully and create a wonderfully creamy, silky sauce.
• Stirring is Key: Especially in the first few minutes of cooking, give the pasta a good stir to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and clumping together. Occasional stirring throughout the simmering process also helps ensure even cooking.
• Adjusting Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick after adding the Parmesan, you can stir in a splash more warm chicken broth or even a bit of pasta water (if you cooked the pasta separately, though this is a one-pot recipe, so broth is preferred). If it’s too thin, let it sit for a few more minutes off the heat; the pasta will continue to absorb liquid and the sauce will thicken.
• Taste and Season: Always taste your dish before serving. Salt levels can vary significantly in chicken broths and Parmesan cheeses. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes can brighten the flavors or add a little kick.

Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions

This One-Pot Parmesan Pasta is fantastic on its own, but it’s also a superb base for customization. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Add Protein:
  • Chicken: Sauté diced chicken breast or thighs before adding other ingredients, or stir in cooked shredded rotisserie chicken at the end.
  • Shrimp: Add raw shrimp during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, or stir in cooked shrimp at the very end.
  • Sausage: Brown Italian sausage (mild or spicy) and crumble it into the pot before adding the liquids.
• Boost the Veggies:
  • Spinach or Kale: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale at the very end; they will wilt beautifully in the residual heat.
  • Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion and garlic for an earthy flavor.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes can be added with the fire-roasted tomatoes for extra fresh bursts of flavor.
  • Broccoli or Asparagus: Blanch small florets of broccoli or chopped asparagus separately and stir them in at the end for added color and nutrients.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning for a subtle heat, or increase it for a bolder kick.
• Herb Variations: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
• Creamier Texture: For an even richer sauce, a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half can be stirred in along with the Parmesan cheese.

What to Serve with Your Parmesan Pasta

This hearty pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Steamed or roasted green vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
• A glass of crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Why Choose a One-Pot Pasta?

One-pot pasta dishes have gained immense popularity for good reason. They are the epitome of convenience without sacrificing flavor. Here’s why this cooking method stands out:

• Minimal Cleanup: This is perhaps the biggest draw. With only one pot to wash, your post-dinner chores become significantly lighter.
• Flavor Infusion: As the pasta cooks directly in the sauce ingredients, it absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the broth, tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings, resulting in a more deeply flavored dish. Starchy pasta water, crucial for thickening sauces, is naturally released into the sauce, creating a perfectly creamy consistency.
• Time-Saving: No waiting for a separate pot of water to boil, no draining, and fewer steps mean you get a delicious meal on the table faster. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Simplicity: The process is incredibly straightforward, making it an excellent recipe for beginner cooks or those who prefer fuss-free cooking.

We hope you enjoy this Creamy One-Pot Parmesan Pasta as much as we do. It’s a recipe born out of the desire for delicious, comforting food that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. Experiment with the variations, share it with loved ones, and savor every last bite of this garlic and Parmesan infused delight. Don’t forget to come back and leave a comment to let us know how your pasta turned out!