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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shells - Dinner in 20 Mins! - garlic parmesan pasta - Discover the best one-pot garlic parmesan pasta recipe! Creamy, cheesy, and ready i

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shells - Dinner in 20 Mins!

This one-pot garlic parmesan pasta is a revelation for busy home cooks. It delivers all the rich, comforting flavors of a classic pasta dish with a fraction of the effort and cleanup. Perfect for those nights when you crave something delicious but have limited time. Our garlic parmesan pasta recipe uses simple ingredients and a straightforward one-pot method. The result is a wonderfully creamy sauce that coats every shell perfectly, infused with savory garlic and sharp Parmesan.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces shellbow pasta
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or half and half (optional)

Method
 

  1. Melt butter over medium heat in a large pot. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to brown the garlic.
  2. Pour in the broth, whole milk, and salt. Add the shellbow pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed and thickened. Skim off any milk skin that forms.
  4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. If desired, stir in the heavy cream for extra richness.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, piping hot and extra creamy!

Notes

- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. If using powder, start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
- Don't overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
- For a richer sauce, ensure you use heavy cream if available.
- Stirring in the Parmesan off the heat helps prevent it from clumping.