One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta

If you’re craving a meal that’s both simple and full of flavor, this One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta is your new best friend. Imagine tender pasta coated in a luscious garlic-infused sauce, all cooked in a single pan for minimal cleanup. The garlic, combined with fresh herbs, creates a heavenly aroma while it simmers. It’s one of those dishes that feels comforting but still sophisticated enough to serve at a dinner party. It’s a cozy, delicious, and quick meal that’ll soon become a weeknight favorite. Ready to dive into this flavorful masterpiece? Trust me, you’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta

This dish is all about simplicity and flavor. Here’s why you’ll be hooked:

Effortless

With just one pan, you can make this meal without the hassle of tons of dishes. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still want a delicious, homemade meal.

Full of Flavor

The garlic and herbs come together to create a savory sauce that coats each pasta perfectly. It’s simple, yet rich in flavor, and will leave you coming back for seconds.

Quick and Easy

With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a satisfying meal ready in less than 30 minutes! It’s perfect for busy days or when you just don’t feel like spending too much time in the kitchen.

Customizable

Feel free to add in your favorite ingredients like roasted vegetables, chicken, or even shrimp. It’s versatile enough to make your own with whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients

Ready to cook up this easy, flavorful pasta? Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• Pasta
  Your choice of pasta—spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine all work beautifully in this dish. The pasta will absorb the savory sauce as it cooks, making every bite delicious.
• Olive Oil
  Olive oil is the base for the sauce, giving it a silky texture and a slightly fruity flavor that complements the garlic.
• Garlic
  The star of the show! Garlic adds that signature flavor that really brings this dish to life. You’ll sauté it to create that irresistible aroma.
• Herbs
  A mix of fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley creates a wonderfully aromatic sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Vegetable or Chicken Broth
  Broth is used to cook the pasta and infuse it with flavor, so every bite is rich and satisfying. You can choose vegetable or chicken broth based on your preference.
• Heavy Cream
  A splash of heavy cream adds richness to the sauce, making it creamy and smooth, perfectly balancing the savory garlic.
• Parmesan Cheese
  Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty flavor that elevates the whole dish.

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh Parsley
  Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

This One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta is as easy as it gets! Here’s how you make it:

Sauté the Garlic

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1-2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Add the Broth and Herbs

Pour in your choice of broth and stir in the herbs. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting the broth get infused with all the garlicky goodness. This is where the flavors start to come together!

Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Stir everything together and make sure the pasta is submerged in the broth. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Make it Creamy

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If it looks too thick, you can add a little more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped parsley and more Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 410 calories

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

• Calories: 410
• Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Vitamin A: 6%
• Vitamin C: 8%
• Calcium: 15%
• Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta

This pasta is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make your meal even more amazing:

With Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to this dish. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce left in your bowl.

Fresh Salad

Pair this pasta with a light, crisp salad to balance the richness of the dish. A simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would work wonderfully.

Protein Add-ins

Want to make this a more substantial meal? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables for added flavor and protein.

Top with Extra Parmesan

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese takes this dish over the top. It’s the perfect finishing touch!

Additional Tips

Add More Vegetables

Feel free to throw in some veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes while cooking. They’ll cook down beautifully in the broth and add even more flavor.

Use Whole Wheat Pasta

For a healthier twist, you can swap regular pasta for whole wheat pasta to boost fiber content.

Make it Spicy

If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic, or add some diced chili peppers for extra spice.

Leftovers

This pasta makes great leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream for that fresh, saucy goodness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes, you can use any pasta you like—penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta works well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q2: Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
A2: Absolutely! You can use half-and-half, milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk for a lighter version.

Q3: How can I make this pasta vegetarian?
A3: This recipe is already vegetarian as long as you use vegetable broth. If you want to add protein, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or roasted vegetables.

Q4: Can I prepare this pasta ahead of time?
A4: This pasta is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy.

Q5: Can I add meat to this dish?
A5: Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sausage would be delicious additions to this pasta.

Q6: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A6: Absolutely! You can add red pepper flakes or even some chopped fresh chili peppers to give it a little heat.

Q7: Can I make this gluten-free?
A7: Yes, just use gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go! The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Q8: Can I double this recipe?
A8: Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and cook in a larger skillet. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q9: What type of broth is best for this recipe?
A9: You can use either chicken or vegetable broth, depending on your preference. Both work wonderfully to add flavor.

Q10: Can I make this dish without Parmesan cheese?
A10: Yes, you can skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free version if needed. It’ll still be delicious without it!

Conclusion

This One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta is your go-to dish for busy nights when you want something quick, flavorful, and comforting. With minimal prep, just one pan to clean, and all the garlicky goodness you could ask for, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this pasta will leave everyone satisfied and asking for more. Enjoy!

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