Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
A creamy and flavorful Garlic Butter Pasta recipe made in one pot, combining tender Shellbow pasta with a savory garlic butter sauce seasoned with herbs and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights and offers comforting Italian-American flavors with a hint of fresh lemon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Hindu
Ingredients
Scale
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 freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ lb. Shellbow pasta
Instructions
- Prepare seasonings and ingredients: Combine the dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder, thyme, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl and set aside. Measure out all remaining ingredients before cooking to keep the process efficient.
- Sauté garlic and seasonings: In a soup pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and the mixed seasonings, stirring continuously until the butter starts to foam, releasing the garlic aroma.
- Add liquids and bring to boil: Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and crumble in the chicken bouillon cube. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook pasta: Add the Shellbow pasta to the boiling liquid. Return to a gentle boil and cook uncovered according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Use a silicone spatula to stir gently along the bottom of the pot to prevent the pasta from sticking or settling.
- Incorporate cheese and lemon juice: Once the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Remove the pot from heat and add the fresh lemon juice, stirring to incorporate the bright citrus flavor.
- Finish with butter and serve: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot and cover immediately to let it melt. Gently stir the melted butter into the pasta for a rich, silky finish. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic cloves rather than jarred minced garlic for better flavor.
- Freshly grate Parmesan cheese from a wedge to ensure smooth melting and superior taste.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers a brighter flavor than bottled lemon juice.
- This recipe works well with various pasta shapes such as Cavatappi, Medium Shells, Orecchiette, Farfalle, or Rotini if Shellbow pasta is unavailable.
- The mustard powder and soy sauce act as subtle flavor enhancers without overpowering the dish.
- For a protein boost, add cooked chicken to the pasta for a Garlic Parmesan Chicken variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently using a double boiler method on the stovetop to best restore the creamy texture.
- This recipe yields 6 servings.
Keywords: garlic butter pasta, one pot pasta, creamy pasta, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta, quick dinner, comfort food
Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/garlic-butter-pasta-recipe/
