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Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

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3.8 from 14 reviews

This Garlic Butter Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot dish that combines aromatic herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it uses simple ingredients to create a rich, comforting pasta coated in a buttery, cheesy sauce with a hint of lemon brightness.

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

Pasta & Broth

  • 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
  • ½ lb. shellbow pasta

Finishing Touches

  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Combine the dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder, thyme, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl and set aside. Measure out all other ingredients before starting, as this recipe is quick to cook.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Seasonings: In a soup pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and the prepared seasoning mixture. Stir constantly until the butter begins to foam and the garlic is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and add the chicken bouillon cube. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Cook Pasta: Once boiling, add the shellbow pasta. Return to a gentle boil and cook uncovered according to the pasta package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir frequently with a silicone spatula to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Taste test the pasta for doneness.
  5. Incorporate Cheese and Lemon: Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  6. Finish with Butter: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot and cover to let it melt. Once melted, gently stir to incorporate the butter throughout the pasta. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Shellbow pasta is ideal for this recipe as it holds sauce well, but you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells.
  • Using freshly grated Parmesan enhances the dish’s flavor and texture compared to pre-grated cheese.
  • Keep stirring the pasta during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Adjust seasoning and saltiness after adding bouillon and soy sauce, as these add salt.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit the chicken bouillon.