Print

Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 4 reviews

This delicious Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting one-pot meal that combines aromatic herbs, creamy half and half, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It's quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, featuring tender shellbow pasta cooked right in a flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

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 all the dried herbs and spices (basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder, thyme, onion powder, and pepper) in a small bowl and set aside. Measure out the remaining ingredients to have everything ready since the cooking process moves quickly.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Seasonings: Place 3 tablespoons of butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and the prepared seasoning blend. Stir continuously until the butter begins to foam and the garlic becomes fragrant, ensuring the flavors infuse.
  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 all ingredients thoroughly.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the shellbow pasta and return to a gentle boil. Cook uncovered as per the pasta package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes. Stir regularly with a silicone spatula, scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking or burning. Taste the pasta for doneness before moving to the next step.
  5. Add Cheese and Lemon Juice: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Remove the pot from heat and mix in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  6. Finish with Butter and Serve: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot, cover it to allow the butter to melt, then gently stir it into the pasta for a silky, rich finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy garlic butter pasta.

Notes

  • Use shellbow pasta or any small shaped pasta that cooks evenly and holds the sauce well.
  • Stirring frequently while cooking the pasta prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Adjust the seasoning and lemon juice to taste based on preference.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken bouillon cube or use a vegetarian alternative.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor and creaminess.