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Easy One-Pot Spaghetti Recipe with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

one-pot spaghetti recipe - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot spaghetti dish with a creamy Parmesan sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste (start with ½ teaspoon)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stir gently to combine, and bring to a gentle boil (3-4 minutes).
  4. Break spaghetti in half and add to the pot, spreading evenly. Ensure pasta is mostly submerged; add more broth or water if needed.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking, for 12-14 minutes until pasta is al dente.
  6. Taste pasta at 12 minutes and cook longer if needed.
  7. Remove pot from heat and gradually stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
  8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

Do not burn the garlic to avoid bitterness. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth sauce. Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking. If sauce thickens after resting, stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen. Break spaghetti in half for better fit and even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot spaghetti, creamy Parmesan sauce, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food