One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta
This simple one-pot pasta delivers rich garlic flavor, warm herbs, and a silky Parmesan sauce brightened with lemon. It works as a satisfying meat-free main dish or a versatile side.
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Servings: 6
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Ingredients
Seasonings
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¾ teaspoon each: dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon each: dried thyme, onion powder, pepper
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4 tablespoons butter, divided
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4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
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2 ¾ cups chicken broth
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¾ cup half and half
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1 teaspoon soy sauce
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½ chicken bouillon cube
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¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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½ lb Shellbow pasta (see notes)
- Stir the seasonings together and set them aside. Gather and measure the rest of the ingredients before you start; everything moves quickly once the pot is on the stove.
- Place a soup pot over medium heat and melt 3 tablespoons of the butter. Add the garlic and the seasoning blend. Cook, stirring constantly, until the butter becomes foamy.
- Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and drop in the bouillon cube.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the pasta. Once it returns to a gentle boil, cook uncovered according to the pasta package. Occasionally run a silicone spatula along the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking. Check a piece of pasta toward the end to confirm tenderness.
- Lower the heat and slowly incorporate the Parmesan until fully melted. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Cover the pot so it can melt, then gently mix it into the pasta before serving.
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Pasta: Shellbow pasta is used here, but Cavatappi, Medium Shells, Orecchiette, Farfalle, or Rotini all work well.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide the best flavor—avoid jarred garlic for this recipe.
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Parmesan: Grate the cheese from a wedge so it melts smoothly and has better flavor.
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Lemon: Freshly squeezed juice will noticeably brighten the dish compared to bottled.
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Flavor Boosters: The mustard powder and soy sauce don’t make the sauce taste like either ingredient—they simply enhance the overall flavor.
- Add Protein: If you want a chicken version, try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
- Pair this pasta with dishes like Chicken Milanese, cheesy garlic bread, or warm bread with olive oil dip.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. The texture changes slightly after reheating, but the flavor remains excellent.
For best results, warm it gently over a makeshift double boiler on the stovetop.