Name: Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 4 tablespoons butter, divided; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 ¾ cups chicken broth; ¾ cup half and half; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; ½ chicken bouillon cube; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; ½ lb. Shellbow pasta

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 28 reviews

If you’re searching for a dish that epitomizes coziness and flavor with minimal effort, look no further than Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!). This recipe celebrates the beauty of simplicity—tender pasta in a luscious garlic herb butter sauce, brightened with a hint of lemon and finished with a snowfall of Parmesan. Everything melds together in just one pot, making cleanup blissfully easy and inviting you to savor each creamy, fragrant forkful whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or a show-stealing side. This is one of those memorable meals that honestly feels like a hug in a bowl.

Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) truly sing is its short, easy-to-find list of ingredients. Each one is simple on its own, but together, they create layers of flavor, giving the dish its creamy texture, herby aroma, and irresistible cheesy tang.

Dried Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Mustard Powder: This quartet builds a fragrant, Italian-inspired foundation with pops of flavor in every bite.
Dried Thyme, Onion Powder, Pepper: The finishing touches for seasoning, adding subtle warmth and a gentle kick.
Butter: The heart of the sauce; divided between sautéing and finishing for that glossy, velvety mouthfeel.
Fresh Garlic: The star of the show! Freshly minced garlic infuses the entire dish with bold, aromatic flavor.
Chicken Broth: Simmering the pasta right in broth infuses every noodle with savory depth.
Half and Half: Creaminess without heaviness, balancing richness with a light touch.
Soy Sauce: An umami boost you won’t spot outright! It just makes everything taste better.
Chicken Bouillon Cube: Amplifies the savory notes and thickens the sauce as the pasta cooks.
Parmesan Cheese: Always grate fresh for melt-in-your-mouth texture and maximum flavor—pre-grated just can’t compare.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is a must here; it brightens up the whole dish and balances all that buttery goodness.
Shellbow Pasta (or similar): This fun shape cradles the sauce perfectly, but any favorite short pasta works in a pinch!

How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

This is a quick-moving recipe, so have everything measured and ready before you start. Combine all the dried herbs and seasonings in a small bowl, mince your fresh garlic, and grate your Parmesan. Setting up your ingredients will guarantee a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Herbs

Add three tablespoons of butter to a large soup pot and set over medium heat. As the butter melts, toss in the minced garlic and your pre-mixed dried herbs and spices. Stir everything together constantly; you want the butter to foam without letting the garlic brown, which keeps its flavor sweet and aromatic.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and add the half chicken bouillon cube. The minute you do, you’ll catch a wave of savory aroma! Give it a gentle mix to dissolve the cube, and watch the broth turn creamy and inviting.

Step 4: Add and Cook the Pasta

Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in the shellbow pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Let the pasta cook uncovered, stirring frequently with a spatula to keep it from sticking to the bottom. Stay close—this is the stage where the flavors deepen and the sauce begins to hug each noodle. Taste the pasta for doneness before moving to the next step; you want it perfectly al dente.

Step 5: Final Creamy Touches

Reduce the stovetop heat to low and slowly stir in your freshly grated Parmesan. This step transforms the liquid base into a glossy, cheesy sauce. Next, remove the pot from heat and add the fresh lemon juice for brightness. Finally, finish by stirring in the remaining tablespoon of butter, then cover the pot for a couple of minutes to let everything meld. A gentle final stir brings it all together—your Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) is ready to serve!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)

Garnishes

This dish sings with a final flourish. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, some finely chopped fresh parsley, or even a quick twist of black pepper on top makes Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) look and taste like it came from your favorite trattoria. If you’re in the mood, a squeeze of extra lemon or a drizzle of good olive oil is always welcome.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) is deeply versatile—amazing solo, but even better alongside crispy Chicken Milanese, soft garlic bread with gooey cheese, or a rustic no-knead loaf for sopping up the sauce. For something fresh and light, a peppery arugula salad or roasted vegetables round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant spin, dish out individual portions in shallow bowls and add a microgreen or basil garnish. Hosting a buffet? Keep the pasta warm in a Dutch oven for guests to ladle up. To make it the star, try a big platter family-style, topped with roasted veggies or even grilled shrimp for an upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) is fabulous for meal-prep. Just pop any cooled extras into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavor stays dreamy, even if the texture tightens up a bit as it sits.

Freezing

Place portions in freezer-safe containers or zip bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. When craving strikes, let it thaw overnight in the fridge—the flavors only deepen with time!

Reheating

For the best texture, use a double boiler setup on the stovetop: set a heat-safe bowl over a simmering pot of water, cover, and gently stir the pasta until it loosens. The sauce might need a splash of milk or broth to get creamy again. The microwave works too, just give it a stir halfway through heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape if I can’t find shellbow?

Absolutely! Cavatappi, orecchiette, rotini, or even classic shells will all work beautifully in Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!). The key is to use a shape that will catch plenty of sauce!

Is there a vegetarian version?

You bet—simply swap the chicken broth and bouillon for vegetable broth and a vegetarian bouillon. The flavor remains fantastic and the dish stays richly satisfying.

What’s the secret to getting the sauce extra creamy?

The magic is in the fresh Parmesan and not overcooking the pasta. Always grate cheese right before adding, and stir slowly so it melts into the sauce for that perfect silky finish.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Stir in some cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even white beans at the end. Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) is a fantastic blank canvas for add-ins.

What if I don’t have half and half?

No worries—you can substitute with equal parts whole milk and cream or, in a pinch, just use whole milk. The sauce may be a touch less rich, but still wonderfully delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) recipe is the kind of comfort food I turn to again and again, and I’m so excited to share it with you. Give it a try the next time you crave something simple yet spectacular. I have a feeling it’ll earn a treasured spot in your dinner rotation, too!