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Easy One-Pot Creamy Spaghetti Dinner

one-pot creamy spaghetti dinner - featured image

A quick and comforting one-pot creamy spaghetti recipe that combines garlic, onions, and Parmesan cheese for a delicious, fuss-free meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion; sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant, stirring often.
  3. Break the spaghetti in half and add to the skillet, spreading evenly over the onions and garlic.
  4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged. Add more broth or water if needed.
  5. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid or baking sheet, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and checking pasta doneness.
  6. When pasta is tender and most liquid absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is silky and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  7. Let cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen. If too thin, simmer gently until desired consistency. Break spaghetti in half for easier stirring and even cooking. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute pasta accordingly. Add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes in last minutes for variation.

Nutrition

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