Can You Make Garlic Parmesan Pasta Without Cream?

Absolutely! In fact, many versions of Garlic Parmesan Pasta skip heavy cream altogether. Instead, they use whole milk or even just chicken broth to create that smooth, creamy texture. Using milk gives the sauce a lighter feel without losing any of the rich, cheesy flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, try unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. Just be sure to add the Parmesan carefully so the sauce still turns out silky and smooth.

What Is the Best Pasta Type for Garlic Parmesan Pasta?

Angel hair pasta is the top pick for this dish because it cooks super fast and grabs onto the creamy sauce perfectly. But if you don't have any on hand, don’t sweat it! You can also use spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine. Just keep in mind, thicker noodles might need a little extra broth or milk to get the same creamy magic. And of course, adjust the cooking time too!

How Can I Make Garlic Parmesan Pasta Gluten-Free?

It’s easier than you might think! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are tons of great options like rice noodles, chickpea pasta, or quinoa pasta. Be sure to watch the cook time closely, though. Gluten-free pasta can go from al dente to mushy real quick if you're not paying attention!

Is Garlic Parmesan Pasta Good for Meal Prep?

Totally! Garlic Parmesan Pasta holds up well for a few days in the fridge. It’s perfect for easy lunches or fast dinners. Just store it right and reheat it gently (more on that in Part 7), and you’re good to go!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe (One Pot)

Description

This creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a quick and cozy one-pot meal loaded with buttery garlic sauce and fresh Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect comfort food for a fast lunch or dinner. Simple, flavorful, and easy to customize with chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz angel hair pasta
3 tablespoons butter, divided
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
¼ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
¼ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
¼ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Grate the Parmesan cheese and let it reach room temperature.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and optional seasoning mix; slowly add milk while stirring.
Bring the mixture to a soft boil, then add angel hair pasta.
Use kitchen tongs to twist the pasta into the skillet as it softens.
Let pasta simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Reduce heat to low, add 1 tablespoon of butter, and toss to coat the pasta.
Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously.
Remove from heat and allow the Garlic Parmesan Pasta to thicken before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Always use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
Lower the heat before adding cheese to prevent sauce separation.
Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies for variations.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Category: Lunch, Dinner, Pasta
Method: One Pot
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 382 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 735 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 47 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 37 mg

Keywords: garlic parmesan pasta, creamy garlic parmesan pasta, one pot pasta, easy parmesan pasta, garlic butter pasta, homemade garlic pasta, quick pasta recipes