Easy One-Pot Parmesan Pasta — Quick Dinner
Introduction
Looking for a dinner that’s creamy, satisfying, and comes together with minimal cleanup? This Easy One-Pot Parmesan Pasta offers luscious flavor and incredible simplicity. It’s a go-to meal when time is short but you still crave a comforting, homemade dish. Crowd-pleasing and endlessly customizable, this recipe ensures a quick solution for busy weeknights while delivering restaurant-worthy taste.
Why You’ll Love Easy One-Pot Parmesan Pasta
What makes this pasta a standout is its cheesy richness, achieved without the need for multiple pots or endless stirring. The magic happens as the pasta cooks directly in a flavorful broth, gathering every bit of goodness in the pot, while the Parmesan melts right in for a silky finish. Add your favorite veggies or rotisserie chicken for a meal everyone will love.
All About the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
The creamy sauce is achieved with just a handful of ingredients. Freshly grated Parmesan infuses the dish with its nutty and savory flavor, while a little butter and a splash of cream provide the perfect backdrop. A touch of garlic elevates the entire pot, making each bite irresistible.
Effortless One-Pot Cooking
With everything cooked in a single pot—from sautéing the garlic to simmering the pasta—you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal. Let all the flavors mingle as the pasta cooks, and finish with a swirl of cream and a shower of Parmesan just before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Easy One-Pot Parmesan Pasta
Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper, and serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. This pasta pairs beautifully with garlic bread and can be adapted to include add-ins like peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or grilled chicken for variety and extra protein.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 4 generous servings, each providing around 450 calories (without additional protein or vegetables). With its ample protein and satisfying carbs, it makes for a balanced meal with room for side dishes or fresh greens.
Why This Easy One-Pot Parmesan Pasta is a Weeknight Winner (Recap)
Quick cooking, minimal cleanup, and rich flavor make this dish a winning choice for busy days. The simplicity and customizable nature ensure it will become a regular go-to in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section — perfect for efficient grocery trips and streamlined meal planning!
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the dried pasta and broth. Stir gently to combine. Bring to a boil, then decrease the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For extra veggies or protein, stir in baby spinach, cooked chicken, or peas and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Divide among bowls, garnish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan if desired, and serve hot.
Weekly Meal Planning
This Easy One-Pot Parmesan Pasta is an ideal candidate for meal prep and weekly planning. Save and schedule this recipe to organize your week, simplify shopping, and reduce food waste.
Planning Benefits:
- Aggregates total ingredient amounts across your planned recipes
- Automatically sorts your grocery list by store section
- Prevents duplicate purchases and last-minute ingredient runs
- Makes batch-cooking and leftovers a breeze
Pro tip: If you’re making multiple meals that call for staples like garlic or Parmesan, schedule your recipes to ensure your shopping list calculates the correct total — saving you time at the store and cutting down on both expense and food waste.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
