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Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

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4 from 82 reviews

This creamy Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick, one-pot meal perfect for busy nights. Packed with the flavors of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, it combines simple ingredients to create a rich, comforting dish made with shell pasta cooked directly in a savory sauce featuring chicken broth and half and half, all finished with a bright touch of lemon juice.

Ingredients

Seasonings

  • 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

Sauce and Pasta

  • 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 Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ lb. shell pasta (Shellbow)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Seasonings and Ingredients: Combine all the dried seasonings—basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder, thyme, onion powder, and pepper—in a small bowl and set aside. Measure out all other ingredients so you have everything ready before cooking as this recipe proceeds quickly.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Seasonings: In a soup pot over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and pre-mixed seasonings. Stir continuously until the butter starts to foam and the garlic is fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and crumble in the half chicken bouillon cube. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Cook Pasta: Add the shell pasta to the boiling liquid. Reduce to a gentle boil and cook uncovered according to the pasta package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes), stirring regularly with a silicone spatula, especially along the bottom of the pot, to prevent the pasta from sticking. Taste-test to confirm the pasta is cooked to your liking.
  5. Incorporate Cheese and Lemon: Lower the heat to low. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor.
  6. Finish with Butter: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot, cover it with a lid, and let the butter melt into the pasta. Once melted, gently stir the butter through the pasta to create a silky texture, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use shell pasta for best results as it holds the sauce well. Other small pasta shapes can also work.
  • Be sure to stir frequently during pasta cooking to prevent sticking and burning on the bottom of the pot.
  • Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less brightness.
  • This dish can be made vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth and a vegetarian bouillon cube.
  • For a richer sauce, add an extra tablespoon of butter or Parmesan cheese.

Find it online: https://deliciousyum.com/garlic-butter-pasta-one-pot-recipe/