Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting one-pot meal that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent.

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 Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 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 so you’re ready to go, as this recipe moves quickly.
2. Step 2: In a soup pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and the mixed seasonings. Stir continuously until the butter starts 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. Stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the shellbow pasta. Return to a gentle boil and cook uncovered according to the pasta package instructions. Use a silicone spatula to stir along the bottom of the pot occasionally, preventing the pasta from sticking. Taste the pasta to check for doneness before moving on.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice.
6. Step 6: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Cover the pot for a minute or two to let the butter melt, then gently stir it into the pasta. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth texture.
• Try swapping half and half for heavy cream if you prefer a richer sauce.
• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth and bouillon with vegetable broth and bouillon.
• Add cooked chicken or sautéed vegetables for a heartier meal.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free milk or cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.

Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 55 reviews

This Garlic Butter Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot dish that combines tender shellbow pasta with a rich garlic butter sauce, infused with aromatic herbs and finished with fresh lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal, this recipe streamlines the cooking process while delivering layered taste in every bite.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Herbs and 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 black pepper

Main Ingredients

• 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. Prepare Seasonings and Ingredients: 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 so everything is on hand and ready, as this recipe moves quickly.
2. Sauté Garlic with Butter and Seasonings: In a soup pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and the pre-mixed seasonings and stir continuously as the butter begins to foam, releasing the flavors of the herbs and garlic.
3. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and add the half chicken bouillon cube to the pot. Stir gently to combine all the components.
4. Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the shellbow pasta. Continue to cook uncovered on a gentle boil for the time indicated on the pasta package, stirring frequently with a silicone spatula to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom once it begins to thicken. Taste to check for doneness before moving to the next step.
5. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese and Lemon Juice: Lower the heat to low and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. 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. Once melted, gently stir the butter into the pasta to enrich the sauce before serving.

Notes

• Shellbow pasta is recommended for best texture, but you can substitute with small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or penne.
• Stir frequently during pasta cooking to avoid sticking, as this is a one-pot recipe.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is preferred for best melting and flavor.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, particularly with salt, since the bouillon and soy sauce add saltiness.
• Use low sodium chicken broth to better control salt levels.

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