This one pot Garlic Butter Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the rich essence of garlic with creamy butter and fresh herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a delightful side dish, this pasta is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. With the added zest of lemon and the savory touch of Parmesan cheese, it’s sure to impress at any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Garlic Butter Pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavor Packed: Infused with fresh garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, each bite bursts with flavor.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or as a delicious side to complement your favorite protein.
- One Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with just one pot needed for cooking—less time washing dishes means more time enjoying your meal!
- Customizable: Feel free to add veggies or proteins to suit your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful Garlic Butter Pasta, gather your tools and ensure you’re prepared for a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Silicone spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Essential for cooking pasta evenly while allowing ample space for stirring.
- Measuring spoons: Help you get the right amounts of spices and ingredients, ensuring consistent flavor.
Ingredients
Herbs and Seasonings
- ¾ teaspoon EACH: dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon EACH: dried thyme, onion powder, pepper
Dairy and Fats
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- ¾ cup half and half
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Liquids
- 2 ¾ cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
Fresh Ingredients
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Pasta
- ½ lb. Shellbow pasta
How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Combine all the dried seasonings in a small bowl and set aside.
- Measure out the remaining ingredients so you have everything ready for cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
- In a large soup pot over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons of butter.
- Once melted, add the minced garlic along with the combined seasonings.
- Stir continuously until the butter starts to foam, releasing its wonderful aroma.
Step 3: Add Liquids
- Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and add the bouillon cube.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add in the Shellbow pasta once boiling.
- Cook uncovered according to package instructions, stirring occasionally with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Incorporate Cheese
- Once the pasta is tender, reduce heat to low.
- Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Final Touches
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of butter on top, cover pot briefly until melted, then gently stir into pasta before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)
Garlic Butter Pasta is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and toppings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Chives: Chopped chives can add a mild onion flavor and enhance the dish’s freshness.
Protein Options
- Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled chicken adds protein and complements the rich garlic butter sauce.
- Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp mixed into the pasta creates a delightful seafood twist.
Veggie Additions
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli not only adds color but also a nutritious crunch.
- Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach just before serving for added nutrients and vibrant color.
Cheese Toppings
- Extra Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan enhances the cheesy goodness of the dish.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta provides a tangy flavor that pairs well with garlic butter.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)
To achieve the best results with your Garlic Butter Pasta, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a more robust flavor than pre-minced options.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking times for pasta; overcooking can lead to mushiness.
- Adjust Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust seasonings to suit your preference during cooking.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality butter and cheese significantly enhance the overall taste of your dish.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)
Pairing side dishes with Garlic Butter Pasta can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the richness of the pasta with its crisp romaine and tangy dressing.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, making it a must-have side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and nutrition, balancing out the meal beautifully.
- Caprese Salad: The fresh flavors of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a refreshing contrast to the buttery pasta.
- Antipasto Platter: Offer an assortment of olives, cured meats, and cheeses for a savory starter before your main dish.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus brings an elegant touch and pairs nicely with the pasta’s flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping prep work: Failing to measure and prepare all ingredients beforehand can lead to rushed cooking. Take time to set everything up before you start.
- Not stirring enough: If you don’t stir the pasta while it cooks, it may stick to the pot. Make sure to stir regularly to keep it from settling.
- Adding cheese too early: Adding Parmesan cheese too soon can cause clumping. Stir it in gradually after reducing the heat for a smoother sauce.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Using stale spices or low-quality butter can dull flavors. Always use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Ignoring taste tests: Skipping taste tests during cooking can lead to bland pasta. Taste-test as you go and adjust seasonings accordingly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Garlic Butter Pasta in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)
- Let the pasta cool down before freezing.
- Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pasta in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Place pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed. Stir frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!), here are some frequently asked questions that might help.
How long does Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) take to make?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick meal option!
Can I customize my Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes, or mix in protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp for variation.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Shellbow pasta is recommended, but you can use any short pasta like penne or fusilli if preferred.
Is Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well, making it a great option for meal prep. Just follow the storage guidelines above.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious and versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this comforting dish today and enjoy its rich flavors!
Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Garlic Butter Pasta, a quick and satisfying one-pot meal that brings together the aromatic richness of garlic, creamy butter, and fresh herbs. This delightful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or as a delicious side to accompany your favorite protein. With zesty lemon and the savory touch of Parmesan cheese, this pasta recipe guarantees a memorable dining experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- ½ lb. Shellbow pasta
- 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- ¾ cup half and half
- 2 ¾ cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 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
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and combine dried seasonings in a small bowl.
- In a large soup pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and seasonings; stir until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and add bouillon cube; stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then add Shellbow pasta. Cook uncovered according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.
- Once pasta is tender, reduce heat to low and gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Remove from heat and mix in lemon juice with the remaining tablespoon of butter before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
