Garlic Butter Pasta One Pot

This creamy garlic butter pasta is my go-to when I want something comforting but quick without much cleanup. Cooking everything in one pot means the pasta soaks up all the rich, herby flavors while the sauce turns silky with a blast of fresh parmesan and lemon. Perfect as a weeknight main or a cozy side dish the whole family adores.

I still remember the first chilly night I whipped this up with just pantry staples and a handful of fresh garlic. Now my family always asks for it after a busy day.

Ingredients

• Shellbow pasta or any short pasta shape you have on hand: Gives the dish bite and holds the sauce well look for pasta with a rough surface so the sauce clings
• Butter: Divides the base and adds richness opt for real butter not margarine
• Fresh garlic: Brings bold aromatic flavor always use whole cloves for the best taste
• Chicken broth: Provides a savory depth use low sodium for more controle
• Half and half: Creates a creamy texture heavier than milk but lighter than cream
• Soy sauce: Sounds unusual but it boosts umami flavor choose low sodium for balance
• Chicken bouillon: Intensifies the savory element without much liquid
• Parmesan cheese: Adds salty cheesy tang grate it fresh from the block for best melt
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish squeeze it yourself for the most vibrant flavor
• Dried herbs (basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder, thyme, onion powder, pepper): Blend for classic Italian depth pick high-quality dried herbs and check dates for freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Everything:

Measure your ingredients and combine all dried seasonings in a bowl first so you are ready to go with each step as the recipe moves fast

Sauté Garlic and Seasonings:

Melt three tablespoons butter in a soup pot over medium heat add minced garlic and the seasoning mix stir constantly as the butter foams and the aromas fill the kitchen

Build the Sauce:

Pour in chicken broth half and half soy sauce and the half bouillon cube stir well combining all the flavors

Cook the Pasta:

Bring the mixture to a boil add the pasta then lower the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil leave uncovered cook according to the pasta package instructions stir frequently with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking and check pasta for doneness before moving on

Finish with Cheese and Lemon:

Lower the heat to the lowest setting gradually add grated parmesan stir until silky and dissolved remove from heat and mix in fresh lemon juice it cuts through the richness perfectly

Enrich and Serve:

Drop in the last tablespoon of butter cover until melted then gently toss everything together to coat the pasta in the buttery sauce serve immediately for best texture

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There is nothing quite like biting into a bowlful of parmesan-laced noodles where every strand is infused with garlic and a zing of fresh lemon My favorite part is always the bold aroma when the garlic hits the butter just like my grandma’s kitchen

Storage Tips

Store any leftover pasta in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to three days

If you need to freeze it let it cool completely transfer to a freezer-safe bag and use within three months

To reheat restore creaminess by warming slowly on the stovetop using a double boiler method or a saucepan with a lid and add a splash of half and half if it seems dry

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Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any short pasta like cavatappi orecchiette or rotini—just avoid thin noodles which will overcook quickly

Vegetable broth works if you need to keep it vegetarian

If you are out of half and half a mix of milk and a bit of cream will do the trick

Vegans can try using plant-based butter and nutritional yeast for a different twist

Serving Suggestions

Eat it straight from the pot or pair it with crispy chicken Milanese garlic bread or even roasted vegetables

Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the pan for an easy veggie boost

Top with extra parmesan cheese or fresh herbs before serving for a simple upgrade

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use any type of pasta for this dish?

Yes, Shellbow pasta works beautifully, but cavatappi, shells, orecchiette, farfalle, or rotini are all great options that hold the sauce well.

→ Is it important to use fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic provides the best flavor and aroma for this pasta. Jarred garlic can be used, but the taste won't be as vibrant.

→ How do I reheat leftovers without losing texture?

Reheat gently using a makeshift double boiler on the stovetop. Stir often to maintain creaminess and avoid overcooking.

→ Can I add protein to this pasta?

Absolutely. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms make delicious additions without overpowering the buttery garlic sauce.

→ Why add lemon juice at the end?

Lemon juice brightens the dish, balancing out the richness of butter and cheese for a well-rounded flavor.