Creamy One-Pot Pasta
This velvety pasta dish cooks entirely in one pot, with the starch from the noodles creating a luscious, creamy sauce. It is a decadent, comforting meal that comes together in minutes without the need for multiple pans.
- Prep time: 18 minutes
- Cook time: 28 minutes
- Total time: 46 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place pasta, broth, garlic, basil, and butter into a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
- Fold in the baby spinach until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Tips
- Stir the pasta frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the cream at the very end to prevent it from separating or curdling.
- Use high-quality Parmesan for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Gluten-free pasta often releases more starch; you may need to add a little extra broth.
How do I keep it from getting dry?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of warm water or broth to loosen it.
Can I add protein?
Yes, pre-cooked shrimp or grilled chicken breast are excellent additions.