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One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

This One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish cooked all in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum taste. Infused with a blend of dried herbs, fresh garlic, and a rich combination of chicken broth, half and half, and Parmesan cheese, it delivers a comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe yields a luscious, cheesy pasta that’s brightened with a splash of fresh lemon juice and finished with a buttery finish.

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

Butter and Flavorings

  • 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Liquids and Broth

  • 2 ¾ cups chicken broth
  • ¾ cup half and half
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • ½ chicken bouillon cube

Cheese and Acids

  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Pasta

  • ½ lb Shellbow pasta (small shell pasta)

Instructions

  1. 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 so you are ready to cook quickly.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Herbs: In a soup pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and the prepared seasonings, stirring continuously until the butter becomes foamy and the garlic is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add Liquids and Bouillon: Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and crumble in the half bouillon cube. Stir to dissolve and combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the Shellbow pasta and return to a gentle boil. Cook uncovered according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Taste-test for al dente doneness.
  5. Incorporate Cheese and Lemon: Lower the heat to low. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
  6. Finish with Butter and Serve: Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Cover the pot and let it sit a minute to allow the butter to melt fully. Gently stir the butter into the pasta until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use Shellbow or small shell pasta for best texture and to hold the sauce.
  • Stirring the pasta occasionally during cooking prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
  • The lemon juice adds a fresh brightness that balances the rich, buttery sauce.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth and omit the bouillon cube or use a vegetarian bouillon.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is best for melt and flavor; pre-grated varieties may not incorporate as smoothly.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/one-pot-garlic-butter-pasta-recipe/