A One-Pan Pasta Dinner with Creamy Sauce

Weeknight dinners can feel chaotic, kids are hungry, work emails are still open, and somehow you need a satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes. This one-pan pasta delivers creamy, comforting sauce without the stress of multiple pots and pans. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor, perfect for a busy evening.

Time Breakdown

What This Is And Isn’t

This isn’t a restaurant-style, slow-cooked Alfredo. It’s a quick, home-kitchen version designed for speed and simplicity. It’s creamy, forgiving, and still hits that rich, comforting flavor you crave.

Ingredient Snapshot

• Pasta (8 oz / 225 g)
  Any short pasta like penne or rotini works.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp)
  Adds a mild, fruity base.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
  For aroma and flavor, sauté gently.
• Heavy cream (1 cup / 240 ml)
  Creates the rich, smooth sauce.
• Parmesan cheese (¾ cup / 75 g, grated)
  Melts into the sauce for creaminess.
• Chicken or vegetable broth (2 cups / 480 ml)
  Keeps pasta from sticking and adds flavor.
• Salt (to taste)
  Enhances all ingredients.
• Black pepper (½ tsp)
  Freshly ground for mild heat.
• Optional
  cooked chicken, mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for variety.

Before cooking begins, the following technical standards define the temperature, heat, and storage limits used throughout this recipe.

Technical & Safety Reference

Why It Works

The magic is timing and layering. Olive oil softens garlic without burning it, while adding broth gradually lets pasta absorb flavor evenly. Heavy cream enriches the sauce without separating, and Parmesan melts smoothly because the sauce stays just below boiling. Cooking everything in one pan locks in moisture and flavor while keeping cleanup simple.

Step-by-Step Method

Heat olive oil
In a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Sauté garlic
For 30–45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.

Add broth and pasta
Into the pan. Stir gently to combine.

Bring to a simmer
And cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is nearly tender (about 10 minutes).

Lower heat to medium-low.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese gradually, allowing sauce to thicken and coat the pasta.

Season with salt and pepper
To taste.

Add optional mix-ins
Like cooked chicken or vegetables. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through.

Serve immediately
Garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Sauce too thin – Make sure pasta is almost cooked before adding cream and cheese; the starchy water helps thicken.
• Garlic turns bitter – Keep heat moderate and watch carefully while sautéing.
• Overcooked pasta – Stir occasionally and check for tenderness to prevent mushiness.

Variations

• Steakhouse-inspired: Toss with sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions.
• Scampi-style: Add shrimp and a squeeze of lemon for a light twist.
• Veggie boost: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini add color and nutrients.

Storage, Reheating & Food Safety

• Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
• Food safety: Consume within 3 days; do not leave at room temperature over 2 hours.

How Americans Commonly Use This

This one-pan pasta is a favorite for weeknight dinners, family meals, and meal prep for the week ahead. It’s simple enough for busy nights, yet comforting enough for casual gatherings.

Soft, Confident Close

A creamy pasta dinner doesn’t need multiple pots, long prep, or complicated steps. With this method, you get a flavorful, cozy meal in a single pan, and the confidence that every bite hits just right.

Editorial Transparency Statement

This article is research-based and informed by historical culinary references, established food science, and professional instructional standards. It does not rely on personal kitchen testing.

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