Description
This One Pot Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender penne pasta cooked directly in a rich, creamy sauce made with chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is both comforting and flavorful. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers an effortless way to enjoy a decadent pasta dinner without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Saute the garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add pasta and broth: Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and uncooked penne pasta into the skillet. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Cook the pasta: Bring the liquid and pasta mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese: Once the pasta is cooked through, remove from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a burst of color and fresh flavor before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering the pasta to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and provides superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian