Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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