If you’ve been anywhere near social media lately, you’ve probably heard of ‘that’ pasta—the one that almost broke the internet! You know the one I’m talking about: the creamy, dreamy, easy-to-make dish that took over our feeds. Well, I couldn’t resist whipping it up myself, and let me tell you—it’s every bit as delicious as it looks.
If you’ve been following along, you know I’m all about simple recipes that deliver BIG flavor. This viral pasta dish is a total game-changer and just might become your new favorite weeknight meal. It’s creamy, dreamy, and all comes together in one pan—yes, you read that right! Less mess, less stress, and more time to enjoy the deliciousness.
This recipe is perfect for those days when you want something comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. I’m talking about a dish that’s packed with flavor, requires minimal ingredients, and makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Ready to make some magic? Let’s get started!
What Makes This Pasta So Special?
This one-pan creamy pasta recipe has been making waves on social media, and for good reason! It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s bursting with flavor. The key here is cooking everything in one pan—no need to boil pasta separately or juggle multiple pots. The pasta cooks right in the chicken broth, soaking up all that savory goodness, while the cream and butter make it extra rich and luscious.
Let’s be real, the best part might just be the cleanup. One pan? Yes, please!
Let’s Make It: ‘That’ Viral One-Pan Creamy Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 1/4 cups pasta (enough to cover the bottom of the pan)
- 2-3 cups chicken broth
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt, pepper, parsley, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)
Directions:
- Start with olive oil and garlic:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and let it cook for a minute until it’s golden and fragrant. This is where your kitchen starts to smell heavenly! - Add the pasta:
Next, pour in 1 1/4 cups of your favorite pasta—enough to cover the bottom of your pan—and give it a quick stir to coat each piece in that garlicky olive oil. - Pour in the broth:
Here’s where the magic happens! Add 2-3 cups of chicken broth, just enough to cover the pasta. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes. The pasta is going to cook right in the broth, soaking up all that savory flavor. - Make it creamy:
As the broth simmers, add 1/3 cup of heavy whipping cream. The cream is going to turn everything into a smooth, velvety sauce. Keep simmering until most of the liquid has reduced. - Butter it up:
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, take the pan off the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter. This step takes it from good to oh my goodness in just a few stirs. - Season and serve:
Finally, season with salt, pepper, and parsley to taste. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for that perfect cheesy finish.
Why You’ll Love It:
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash? Sign me up.
- Fast & Easy: You can have dinner on the table in 20 minutes.
- Customizable: Add chicken, shrimp, or veggies for a heartier meal—or keep it simple and let the creamy pasta shine.
Pro Tips:
- Use fresh Parmesan: It melts so much better than the pre-grated stuff.
- Adjust the broth: If your pasta absorbs too much liquid, feel free to add a splash more broth to keep it creamy.
The Best Way to Serve It:
I love serving this pasta with a fresh green salad and a slice of garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or when you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends.
Leftovers? Yes, Please!
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, this pasta reheats like a dream. Just add a splash of water or chicken broth before reheating to bring back that creamy texture. Trust me, you’ll be just as excited for round two!
Love this recipe?
You’ll find it, along with so many other comforting and delicious meals, in my cookbook, From Scratch and Heart: Recipes Rooted in Tradition and Love. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners, cozy soups, or show-stopping desserts, my cookbook has you covered with recipes designed to bring joy to your kitchen and your table.
Let’s Hear From You!
Have you made this viral pasta yet? I want to hear all about it! If you try it, don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @hi.itsHollyB—I absolutely love seeing your creations.
And if you’ve got any fun twists on this recipe, drop them in the comments below. You know I’m always down to try a new take on an old favorite!
