If you're searching for a quick and delicious meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than these One Pot Creamy Noodles! This Italian-inspired dish combines the richness of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with the comforting texture of perfectly cooked pasta, all made in just one pot. Imagine savoring a creamy, flavorful dish that takes only 25 minutes to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready to dive into this culinary delight? Let's get cooking!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place a large skillet or wide-bottomed pot over medium heat. Ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate the pasta and liquid.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté briefly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine the liquids evenly.
- Add the dry pasta directly into the liquid mixture, ensuring all pasta is submerged. Do not break the pasta if using longer noodles.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Cook uncovered for 15-18 minutes, stirring periodically, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot directly from the pot.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While this recipe works well with any type of pasta, shorter varieties like penne or fusilli may absorb the sauce better. If using longer noodles, be gentle when stirring to avoid breaking them.
- Don’t Rush the Garlic: Sautéing the minced garlic just until fragrant is crucial for enhancing the dish's flavor. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, which can lead to bitterness.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the dish sit for a few minutes after removing it from the heat. This allows the sauce to thicken as it cools slightly.
- Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to customize the flavor by adding herbs like thyme or basil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat!
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also freshens up the dish. Consider adding a few extra shavings of Parmesan for a restaurant-quality finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 90mg
