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

Scale

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

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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.