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Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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