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–+ servings

Quick 2-Ingredient Pasta Dinner: Garlic Parmesan Angel Hair

A creamy, buttery garlic parmesan pasta made in one pot in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block, not pre-shredded
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half for extra richness
  • 8 ounces angel hair pasta or capellini
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • 1/4 teaspoon each: onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper optional seasoning mix

Method
 

  1. Grate the Parmesan cheese and set it aside at room temperature.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and optional seasoning mix. Slowly stir in the milk, then bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Add the angel hair pasta. Use tongs to gently twist the noodles into the liquid as they soften.
  6. Cook the pasta for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to low.
  7. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and toss to coat the pasta.
  8. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth. The sauce will thin out initially but will thicken as it sits.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 16gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 780mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

Angel hair cooks very quickly; check the package time and set a timer to avoid overcooking. For best results, use a block of high-quality Parmesan and grate it yourself—pre-shredded cheese won't melt as smoothly. If the sauce seems too thin, let the pasta rest for a minute; it will absorb liquid and thicken. Turn off the heat before adding the cheese to prevent a grainy texture. This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a simple green salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk. Avoid using aged Parmesan, as it may not melt well.

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