A rich and creamy garlic butter pasta made in one pot! Perfectly cooked pasta coated in a savory garlic butter sauce, with a smooth texture from the broth and a burst of freshness from the herbs. It’s an easy, comforting dish for busy nights.
Quick Description
This one-pot garlic butter pasta is an effortless, flavor-packed dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The garlic butter sauce is rich and creamy, with a subtle depth from the chicken broth, making it the perfect cozy meal. Garnish with fresh herbs for added brightness and texture.
Servings & Timing
Servings: 4–6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: ~25 minutes
Approx. Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 350
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Ingredients List
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for a lighter version, use vegetable broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or fresh thyme (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra creaminess and flavor)
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (any shape you prefer, such as shells, penne, or cavatappi)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente (usually around 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.
2. Make the garlic butter sauce
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the broth and cream
Add the chicken or vegetable broth and heavy cream to the pot. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer, letting it cook for 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, add Italian herbs or fresh thyme.
4. Combine the pasta and sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the pot with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
5. Finish with cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for added creaminess and flavor. Let the pasta sit in the sauce for a minute to absorb the flavors.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the sauce is creamy.
