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one pot parmesan herb pasta recipe

One Pot Parmesan Herb Pasta

Chef Enzo, an Italian-American cuisine expert from Eat Every Slice, smiling while enjoying a plate of homemade pasta garnished with fresh basil.Enzo R.
A quick and easy one pot meal featuring creamy Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian American
Servings 4 bowls
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta of choice
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 cup cooked chicken diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli steamed
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Gather all ingredients and have them measured and ready. Mince the garlic and grate the Parmesan cheese.
  • In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
  • Add dried basil, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in any optional add-ins like chicken or vegetables.

Serving

  • Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Storage

  • Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. Adjust sauce thickness with more cream or broth.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
How to Serve: Pair with a salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage & Freshness: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the sauce in advance and reheat with cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Keyword creamy parmesan pasta, easy one pot meals, one pot parmesan herb pasta