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Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

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3.9 from 3 reviews

Garlic Butter Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal that combines a savory blend of herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, all cooked together with pasta in a rich broth-based sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish features tender shellbow pasta enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce with hints of fresh lemon.

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

Wet Ingredients & Dairy

  • 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

Pasta

  • ½ lb. Shellbow pasta

Instructions

  1. Prepare Seasonings and Ingredients: Combine all the dried seasonings—basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder, thyme, onion powder, and pepper—and set aside. Measure out all other ingredients before beginning, as the cooking process moves quickly.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Seasonings in Butter: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and the combined seasonings. Stir continuously until the butter starts to foam and the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add Liquids and Bouillon: Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and crumble in the half chicken bouillon cube. Stir to combine.
  4. Cook Pasta in Broth Mixture: 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 around 8-10 minutes. Use a silicone spatula to stir and lift pasta from the bottom frequently to prevent sticking. Taste test the pasta for doneness before proceeding.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Lemon: Lower the heat to low and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice.
  6. Melt Remaining Butter and Serve: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter on top of the pasta, cover the pot to let it melt, then gently stir the butter into the pasta. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

  • Use shellbow pasta or any small pasta shape that cooks evenly in broth.
  • Stir often during pasta cooking to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom of the pot.
  • The dish can be customized with added cooked vegetables or proteins for a hearty meal.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is preferred for best melting and flavor.
  • Lemon juice adds a bright finishing touch balancing the richness of the butter sauce.