If you’re craving a comforting yet simple pasta dish that feels like a warm hug, then the Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta in One Pot Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe combines rich garlic butter, a blend of herbs, and tender pasta cooked all together in one pot for an easy, luscious meal that’s bursting with flavor and so satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a quick dinner that still feels indulgent, this creamy, cheesy pasta is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet pack a ton of flavor, making the dish both delicious and easy to prepare. Each one brings a key element — from rich creaminess and fragrant garlic to the savory depth of chicken broth and parmesan cheese.
- Dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder (¾ teaspoon each): A flavorful herb combo that adds brightness and subtle spice to the sauce.
- Dried thyme, onion powder, pepper (¼ teaspoon each): These support the flavor base with a mild earthiness and gentle kick.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Essential for that creamy, buttery texture and luscious mouthfeel.
- Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds vibrant aromatic notes and that signature garlicky punch.
- Chicken broth (2 ¾ cups): Provides a savory, umami-rich liquid for cooking the pasta and building flavor.
- Half and half (¾ cup): Creates the creamy, silky consistency of the sauce.
- Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): A subtle umami booster that enhances the savory dimension.
- Chicken bouillon cube (½): Concentrates flavor and enriches the broth base.
- Parmesan cheese (¾ cup, freshly grated): Melts into the sauce for that irresistible cheesy goodness.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): A splash of acidity brightens the whole dish and balances the richness.
- Shellbow pasta (½ lb): The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce in every bite.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta in One Pot Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Seasonings and Ingredients
Start by mixing your dried herbs and spices together, then set them aside. Take a moment to measure everything out in advance because this recipe moves quickly and you’ll want all your ingredients ready to go.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
In a soup pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced fresh garlic and the mixed seasonings. Stir continuously so the butter foams and the garlic gently toasts, releasing that irresistible garlic aroma without browning or burning.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Bouillon
Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and crumble the half chicken bouillon cube into the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine all those savory, creamy, and umami flavors in one lush base.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Bring the mixture to a boil, then add your shellbow pasta. Return to a gentle boil and cook uncovered according to the package instructions. Be sure to routinely drag a silicone spatula along the bottom of the pot to prevent the pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking. Taste a piece of pasta toward the end to check for perfect tenderness.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Lemon Juice
Once your pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese so it melts smoothly into the sauce. Remove the pot from heat and mix in the fresh lemon juice, which adds a lovely brightness to the rich, creamy sauce.
Step 6: Finish with Butter and Serve
Add the last tablespoon of butter, cover the pot, and let it melt, then gently stir it into the pasta. This final step gives the sauce a silky, glossy finish. Now, it’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta in One Pot Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of green and fresh flavor. For extra indulgence, a little more grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can be fantastic finishes to elevate your creamy garlic butter pasta.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also works perfectly to mop up every last bit of that luscious sauce, making every bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests or family, serve this pasta in rustic bowls with a drizzle of good olive oil and fresh cracked pepper on top. For an extra touch of elegance, add some sautéed shrimp or pan-seared chicken as a protein boost that complements the creamy garlic butter sauce beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s normal for the sauce to thicken once chilled, but it will loosen up again when reheated.
Freezing
This pasta doesn’t freeze as well because of the dairy and delicate sauce texture, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within a month for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce feels too thick, and heat until warmed through, creamy, and comforting again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While shellbow stays wonderfully coated in the sauce, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
As written, this recipe uses chicken broth and chicken bouillon, so it is not vegetarian. However, you can easily substitute vegetable broth and vegetable bouillon to keep it vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a coconut cream or cashew cream instead of half and half, plus a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta in One Pot Recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a weekday dinner when time is tight but you want something special.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Yes! Adding sautéed spinach, peas, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli can boost the nutrition and add texture and color to the dish wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta in One Pot Recipe a try because it’s a simple, flavor-packed meal that feels like a warm kitchen hug every time. The ease of cooking everything in one pot, combined with its rich, creamy goodness, makes it perfect for busy days that deserve a little indulgence. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta in One Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy Garlic Butter Pasta is a delicious one-pot meal that comes together quickly and effortlessly. With a blend of aromatic herbs, rich butter, fresh garlic, and Parmesan cheese, it offers a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. The use of chicken broth and half-and-half creates a luscious sauce that coats the shellbow pasta beautifully, finished with a hint of fresh lemon juice for 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
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
- 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 all other ingredients to ensure everything is ready before starting the cooking process, as this recipe cooks quickly.
- Sauté Garlic and Seasonings: In a soup pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and the mixed seasonings, stirring continuously until the butter begins to foam and the garlic is fragrant. This step helps release the flavors of the herbs and garlic into the butter.
- Add Liquids and Bouillon: Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and crumble the ½ chicken bouillon cube into the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the shellbow pasta. Return to a gentle boil and cook uncovered according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Use a silicone spatula to stir along the bottom often, lifting any pasta that sticks to prevent burning. Taste the pasta 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 well mixed. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice to add a bright, zesty flavor to the creamy sauce.
- Finish with Butter and Serve: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot and cover it to let the butter melt fully. Gently stir the melted butter into the pasta to enrich the sauce further. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- This recipe uses shellbow pasta, but you can substitute with macaroni or any small-shaped pasta.
- Make sure to stir frequently while cooking pasta to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for best flavor and texture.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth and bouillon with vegetable broth and bouillon.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil as garnish for a fresh finish.
