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Easy Creamy One-Pot Pasta Delight

easy creamy one-pot pasta - featured image
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A quick and comforting one-pot pasta recipe featuring a creamy sauce made with cream cheese and Parmesan, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) pasta (penne or rotini preferred)
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Pour in the broth and heavy cream, then stir in the dried Italian herbs. Bring to a gentle boil (about 5 minutes).
  4. Add the pasta to the simmering liquid, stir well to submerge evenly. Cover with lid and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes to prevent sticking.
  5. Check pasta texture around 10 minutes; it should be tender but still firm (al dente). Cook an additional 1-2 minutes if needed.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low. Add softened cream cheese in dollops, stirring until fully melted and incorporated.
  7. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until sauce thickens and coats the pasta (about 2 minutes).
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well and turn off heat.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen. If too thin, cook uncovered a minute longer to reduce. Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth melting. Stir frequently to prevent pasta sticking. Fresh herbs brighten flavor when added at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, family dinner, creamy sauce, garlic pasta

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/easy-creamy-one-pot-pasta-delight-recipe-perfect-for-quick-dinners/