Craving a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Delight is your answer.
With its rich, velvety sauce and a hint of garlic, this pasta is a go-to for cozy dinners. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, it promises to be a family favorite.
Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Begin by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Pour in the chicken broth and the optional seasonings if desired. Gradually stir in the milk and bring this mixture to a boil.
- Introduce the angel hair pasta to the boiling liquid. You can either break the pasta in half to fit, or use kitchen tongs to gently twist the pasta into the skillet as it softens.
- Allow the pasta to simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pasta and toss it thoroughly to coat. Gradually sprinkle in the finely grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and well-combined.
- Let the sauce stand for a moment to thicken as the pasta will absorb more of it. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, possibly alongside garlic bread with cheese.
Ingredients
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz. angel hair pasta
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional seasonings: ¼ teaspoon each of onion powder, oregano, thyme, parsley, and pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1528kcal | Carbohydrates: 188g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 2940mg | Potassium: 1308mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 1844IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 976mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta instead of angel hair?
- Yes, you can substitute regular spaghetti for angel hair pasta. If you do, add an additional 1/2 cup each of chicken broth and milk, and up to 1/3 cup more Parmesan cheese. The cooking time will increase to about 12-15 minutes, so refer to the pasta package for specific timing.
- How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
- To achieve a creamier sauce, use a block of high-quality Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself. Add the cheese gradually while stirring continuously. Ensure the heat is turned off before adding the cheese to prevent the dairy from separating, which can cause a grainy texture.
- What can I serve with Garlic Parmesan Pasta?
- This pasta pairs well with various dishes such as Chicken Piccata, Creamy Lemon Chicken, Garlic Butter Shrimp, or even Garlic Bread with Cheese. Roasted broccoli and grilled chicken or steak are also excellent side options.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Leftovers should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze the pasta for up to three months.
- What are some optional seasonings I can add to this dish?
- You can enhance the flavor of the pasta by adding 1/4 teaspoon each of onion powder, oregano, thyme, parsley, and pepper along with the chicken broth.
Tips
- For the creamiest sauce, use a block of high-quality Parmesan cheese and shred it yourself. This ensures better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
- Turn off the heat before adding the Parmesan cheese to prevent the dairy from separating, which can result in a grainy texture. Add the cheese gradually, stirring continuously for a smooth consistency.
- If substituting angel hair pasta with regular spaghetti, increase the chicken broth by 1/2 cup and the milk by 1/2 cup. Additionally, add up to 1/3 cup more cheese. Remember to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
- When cooking the pasta, ensure the liquid is at a rolling boil before adding the noodles to achieve the perfect texture. Use kitchen tongs to help incorporate the pasta as it softens.
Equipment
- Kitchen tongs: Useful for twisting pasta into the pan as it heats up.
- Large skillet: A large pan is essential for cooking the pasta and sauce together.
- Parmesan cheese grater: For grating a block of Parmesan cheese, which is recommended for better flavor and melting quality.