Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe
This flavorful Garlic Butter Pasta is a one-pot wonder, combining tender pasta with a rich, garlicky butter sauce infused with herbs and finished with Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Perfect for a quick, comforting meal that balances creamy and zesty flavors.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
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 pepper
Sauce and Pasta
- 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 and prepare all other ingredients before beginning since this recipe cooks quickly.
- Sauté Garlic and Seasonings: In a soup pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and the combined seasonings. Stir continuously until the butter is foamy and the garlic is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and add the half chicken bouillon cube. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the shellbow pasta and return to a gentle boil.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta uncovered according to the package instructions (typically 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally and using a silicone spatula to lift any pasta sticking to the bottom. Taste test the pasta for doneness before moving on.
- Incorporate Cheese and Lemon: Reduce 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 for brightness.
- Finish with Butter: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot and cover it to allow the butter to melt completely. Gently stir the melted butter into the pasta, then serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- This recipe uses shellbow pasta, but any small or medium pasta shape like penne or rotini will work well.
- Stirring frequently while cooking the pasta helps prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste, especially if you prefer more or less garlic or herbs.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the chicken bouillon cube or use a vegetarian alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Pasta, One Pot Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Quick Dinner, Easy Pasta Recipe