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Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

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4.4 from 57 reviews

This Garlic Butter Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Infused with a blend of aromatic herbs and garlic, cooked in a rich mixture of chicken broth and half and half, and finished with fresh Parmesan cheese and a hint of lemon juice, this pasta dish is both comforting and elegant. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, it requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum taste.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

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 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 Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ lb. shellbow pasta

Instructions

  1. Prepare seasonings and ingredients: Combine all the dried seasonings into a small bowl and set aside. Measure out all remaining ingredients before starting to cook because this recipe moves quickly.
  2. Sauté garlic and seasonings: In a soup pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and the pre-mixed dried seasonings. Stir continuously until the butter starts to foam and the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Add liquids and bouillon: Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and crumble in the chicken bouillon cube. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Cook pasta: Once boiling, add the shellbow pasta. Return to a gentle boil and cook uncovered following the pasta package instructions for al dente. Stir occasionally with a silicone spatula to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Taste the pasta to check doneness.
  5. 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 a bright finish.
  6. Finish with butter: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot, cover it, and allow the butter to melt. Gently stir the melted butter into the pasta to enrich the sauce before serving.

Notes

  • Shellbow pasta works well to hold the creamy sauce, but you can substitute with any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or penne.
  • Make sure to stir the pasta frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • You can use vegetable broth and omit the chicken bouillon cube for a vegetarian version, swapping Parmesan for a vegan cheese substitute if desired.
  • Adjust the lemon juice to taste; it adds a fresh brightness that balances the richness of the butter and cream.
  • For a dairy-free option, replace butter and half and half with plant-based alternatives.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American