One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

$- 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (vegan substitute options) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Fresh parsley for garnish - Lemon zest For this recipe, you need simple yet flavorful ingredients. Start with 12 ounces of pasta. I love using fettuccine or spaghetti for this dish. Next, grab 4 cups of vegetable broth; it adds great depth to the sauce. You also need 1 cup of heavy cream, which makes the dish rich and creamy. Next, chop up 6 cloves of garlic. This adds a lovely aroma and taste. You will also want 1 medium onion, finely chopped. It brings sweetness to the sauce. To finish your creamy sauce, you will need 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If you prefer a vegan option, use nutritional yeast. Don’t forget 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. It helps to sauté the onion and garlic. For seasoning, use 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried basil. These herbs enhance the flavor nicely. Finally, add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For a fresh touch, use fresh parsley as a garnish. A bit of lemon zest also brings brightness to the dish. These ingredients create a delicious and satisfying one-pot meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add 1 finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes. It should be soft and clear. 3. Now, add 6 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Keep stirring to avoid browning. 1. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a rolling boil. 2. Once boiling, add 12 oz of fettuccine or spaghetti. 3. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir often until the pasta is firm to the bite and most of the liquid is gone. 1. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the pasta is coated. 2. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. 3. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. For a fresh kick, add zest from 1 lemon. 4. Let the pot sit for a few minutes. This will help the sauce thicken a bit. 5. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley right before serving. Enjoy your creamy garlic pasta! To get the best creaminess, timing is key. Add the cream when the pasta is almost done cooking. This helps it blend into the pasta without making it greasy. Mix everything well at a low temperature. This way, the flavors will combine nicely, and you will avoid curdling the cream. Garlic can be strong, so you want to avoid browning it. When you add garlic to the pot, stir it for just a minute or two. This will keep its fresh taste. Fresh herbs like thyme and basil give a better flavor than dried herbs. If you want to use dried herbs, add them early to let their flavor bloom. Serving your pasta well can make it even more appealing. Use shallow bowls to show off the creamy sauce. For garnish, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds color and a fresh taste. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds richness. Finally, a touch of lemon zest brightens the dish and makes it look fancy. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor significantly compared to pre-minced options. Adjust the Creaminess: For a lighter version, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with a plant-based alternative. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Make sure to stir the pasta frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs like parsley not only add flavor but also make the dish visually appealing—don’t skip this step! {{image_4}} To make a vegan version of this dish, simply swap the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without using dairy. It is full of B vitamins and adds a savory touch. Use about one cup of nutritional yeast in place of the cheese. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty. You can easily add vegetables to your one-pot creamy garlic pasta. Spinach and mushrooms blend well with the creamy sauce. Add a handful of fresh spinach or a cup of sliced mushrooms when cooking the pasta. This adds nutrition and flavor. You can also switch up the pasta type. Try whole grain pasta for a healthier option. Gluten-free pasta works too if needed. Each type will bring a unique texture and flavor to your dish. If you love heat, make a spicy garlic pasta. Add chili flakes or a splash of garlic chili sauce to the pot when cooking. Start with half a teaspoon of chili flakes and adjust to your taste. This will give your dish a warm kick without overpowering the garlic flavor. Enjoy the added depth of heat! To store your leftover one-pot creamy garlic pasta, let it cool first. Once cool, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Always label the container with the date. This way, you know when to use it. When you want to reheat your creamy pasta, use a pan or a microwave. If you use a pan, add a splash of water or broth. This helps keep it creamy. Heat it on low, stirring often. If you use a microwave, cover the bowl. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. This helps avoid hot spots and keeps your pasta moist. Yes, you can freeze creamy pasta! To do this, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it will expand. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a little liquid if needed. Enjoy your creamy pasta even after freezing! Yes, you can use other pasta types. Here are some options: - Penne: Cook for 11-13 minutes. - Fusilli: Cook for 10-12 minutes. - Farfalle: Cook for 10-12 minutes. These shapes hold sauce well and add fun to the dish. Just check package instructions for exact cooking times. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Here are some good choices: - Brown rice pasta - Chickpea pasta - Quinoa pasta These options cook similarly to regular pasta. Just follow the cooking times on their packages. If you lack heavy cream, try these alternatives: - Coconut milk for a dairy-free option. - Cashew cream for a rich flavor. - Silken tofu blended until smooth. These substitutes still give creaminess to your pasta dish. This pasta dish stays fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water while reheating. This guide walked you through making a creamy pasta dish. We covered ingredients like fettuccine, garlic, and Parmesan. Then, I gave step-by-step instructions to create a rich sauce. Tips helped ensure perfect creaminess without burnt garlic. You also learned variations like vegan options and add-ins for flavor. Finally, I shared storage and reheating tips. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy your pasta dish fresh or as leftovers, knowing you can customize it to your taste.$

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

A delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish with creamy garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 zest from lemon

Instructions

Begin by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and soft.
Next, introduce the minced garlic to the pot, sautéing for an additional 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant—ensure not to let it brown, as this can impart a bitter taste.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the flavors to meld.
Once the broth is boiling, add your choice of fettuccine or spaghetti. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
As the pasta nears completion, carefully stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and dried basil. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is enveloped in a creamy sauce.
Taste and season your pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper. For a refreshing twist, consider adding the lemon zest at this stage.
Remove the pot from heat and allow it to sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly, enhancing the dish’s creaminess.
Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant touch of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with extra virgin olive oil and additional parsley for garnish.

Keyword creamy, garlic, one-pot, pasta