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Easy Creamy One-Pot Pasta Recipe for Quick Comfort Meals

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A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish that combines creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or shells)
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup whole milk or cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 cup cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms
  • Optional: Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Gather your ingredients: Measure out all your pasta, broth, milk, butter, and cheeses.
  2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When it starts to foam, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in the broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Add the pasta all at once. Stir well to prevent sticking. Cover loosely with a lid and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender but not mushy.
  5. Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
  6. If using cooked chicken, mushrooms, or herbs, fold them in now. Let everything warm through for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

Use a wide, deep pan for even cooking and to prevent sauce overflow. Stir frequently to avoid sticking. Add more broth or milk if pasta dries out before fully cooked. Add cheese off heat or on low to prevent grainy sauce. Slightly undercook pasta for best texture as sauce thickens while cooling.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, cheesy pasta, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/easy-creamy-one-pot-pasta-recipe-for-quick-comfort-meals/