Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Butter Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish made in just one pot, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a blend of herbs, butter, and Parmesan, it’s comfort food that feels special but requires minimal effort.

Ingredients

• ¾ teaspoon dried basil
• ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¾ teaspoon dried parsley
• ¾ teaspoon mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
• 2 ¾ cups chicken broth
• ¾ cup half and half
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ chicken bouillon cube
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ lb. Shellbow pasta

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder, thyme, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl and set aside. Measure out the remaining ingredients before starting since this recipe moves quickly.
2. Step 2: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and the prepared seasonings, stirring constantly until the butter begins to foam and the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and add the chicken bouillon cube. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Step 4: Add the shellbow pasta to the boiling mixture and return to a gentle boil. Cook uncovered following the package instructions for the pasta. Use a silicone spatula to stir along the bottom frequently to prevent sticking. Taste the pasta to check for doneness before moving to the next step.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice.
6. Step 6: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter on top of the pasta, cover the pot to allow the butter to melt, then gently stir it through before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth texture.
• Try substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
• For extra protein, stir in cooked chicken or shrimp before serving.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with many short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.

Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use a non-dairy milk with a similar fat content instead of half and half. Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.

Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 80 reviews

A rich and creamy Garlic Butter Pasta made in just one pot, blending fragrant herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a quick and comforting meal perfect for any day.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seasonings

• ¾ teaspoon dried basil
• ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¾ teaspoon dried parsley
• ¾ teaspoon mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Wet Ingredients & Dairy

• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 ¾ cups chicken broth
• ¾ cup half and half
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ chicken bouillon cube
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Pasta

• ½ lb. Shellbow pasta

Instructions

1. Prepare Seasonings and Ingredients: Combine all the dried herbs and spices—basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder, thyme, onion powder, and pepper—and set aside. Measure out all the remaining ingredients to streamline the cooking process, as this recipe moves quickly.
2. Sauté Garlic and Seasonings: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and the combined seasonings. Stir continuously until the butter begins to foam, releasing the flavors of the garlic and herbs.
3. Add Liquids and Bouillon: Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and crumble in the half chicken bouillon cube. Stir to combine the ingredients well.
4. Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the shellbow pasta and return to a gentle boil. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently with a silicone spatula to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom. Continue until pasta is cooked to package instructions doneness, then taste test.
5. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese and Lemon Juice: Reduce the heat to low, then gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
6. Finish with Butter: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot and cover it to let the butter melt gently. Stir to blend the butter fully into the pasta before serving for an extra creamy finish.

Notes

• Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese ensures a creamier and more flavorful sauce compared to pre-grated varieties.
• Shellbow pasta works best as it holds the sauce well, but you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or penne.
• Stirring frequently while cooking pasta prevents it from sticking to the pot and ensures even cooking.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth and bouillon cube with vegetable broth and bouillon.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Pasta, One Pot Pasta, Creamy Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner, Easy Pasta, Parmesan Pasta, Stovetop Pasta