Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)

This Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a quick and delicious meal. With its fragrant herb-infused sauce, fresh garlic, and a zesty hint of lemon juice, this dish is both satisfying and comforting. It’s a versatile option suitable for various occasions, whether as a main course or side dish. The best part? You can whip it up in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• One Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean means more time enjoying your meal!
• Flavorful Ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and Parmesan create a rich and savory sauce that elevates simple pasta.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main dish or serve alongside grilled vegetables or chicken.
• Meatless Option: Perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to enjoy a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Garlic Butter Pasta, gather the essential tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Soup pot
• Silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Soup pot: A heavy-bottomed soup pot ensures even cooking of the pasta while encouraging the sauce flavors to meld beautifully.
• Silicone spatula: This tool helps prevent scratching your pot’s surface and is great for scraping up any stuck pasta.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee consistent results every time you prepare this dish.

Ingredients

Seasonings

• ¾ teaspoon EACH: dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon EACH: dried thyme, onion powder, pepper

Main Ingredients

• 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. Shellbow pasta

How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)

Step 1: Prepare the Seasonings

1. Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl and set them aside.
2. Measure out the remaining ingredients before starting. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

1. Add 3 tablespoons of butter to a soup pot over medium heat.
2. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic along with the prepared seasonings.
3. Stir continuously until the butter begins to foam, releasing fragrant aromas.

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

1. Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and add the bouillon cube.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring the mixture to a boil.
2. Add the Shellbow pasta to the pot.
3. Return it to a gentle boil and cook uncovered according to package instructions.
4. Use a silicone spatula to stir occasionally, lifting any pasta that settles at the bottom.

Step 5: Incorporate Cheese and Lemon Juice

1. Once cooked al dente, reduce heat to low.
2. Gradually stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
3. Remove from heat and add fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

1. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter on top of the pasta.
2. Cover the pot briefly to let it melt before gently stirring it into your dish.

Now your flavorful Garlic Butter Pasta is ready! Serve hot, enjoy every bite, and feel free to share with family or friends!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)

Garlic Butter Pasta is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course or pairing it with other dishes, here are some fantastic serving suggestions.

As a Main Course

• Perfectly seasoned, this Garlic Butter Pasta stands out on its own. Serve it hot for a comforting meal.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Pair the pasta with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. The charred flavor complements the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Add fresh basil, parsley, or chives on top for an extra burst of flavor and color. This garnish elevates the dish’s presentation.

Paired with Crusty Bread

• Serve alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s perfect for sopping up every last bit of garlic butter goodness.

With a Side Salad

• A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta. It adds freshness to your meal.

As Leftovers

• Enjoy Garlic Butter Pasta as leftovers for lunch or dinner. Simply reheat and add a splash of broth to keep it creamy.

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How to Perfect Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)

Making Garlic Butter Pasta perfectly is easy with these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will enhance the flavor dramatically compared to dried alternatives.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on your pasta while it cooks. Taste it a minute or two before the package instructions suggest.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning at the end of cooking. You might want more salt or pepper based on your preference.

• Add Extra Cheese: For an even creamier texture, consider adding more Parmesan cheese gradually as you stir.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)

Garlic Butter Pasta pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Classic and simple, garlic bread enhances the meal’s garlic flavor while providing a crunchy contrast.

2. Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad adds crisp romaine and creamy dressing that balances the rich pasta.

3. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli not only adds color but also provides a nutritious side that complements the dish well.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crisp roasted Brussels sprouts bring earthy flavors that pair beautifully with garlic butter sauce.

5. Caprese Salad: A fresh Caprese salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers vibrant flavors that lighten up the meal.

6. Antipasto Platter: An antipasto platter filled with olives, cured meats, and cheeses gives a variety of textures and flavors to your dining experience.

7. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach seasoned with lemon juice makes for a healthy side that’s quick to prepare.

8. Baked Zucchini Fries: These crispy zucchini fries provide a fun finger food option alongside your pasta dinner!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!), it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the pasta: Pasta should be al dente, so follow the package instructions closely and taste-test before draining.
• Using stale spices: Fresh herbs and spices enhance flavor. Check your pantry and replace any old seasonings with fresh ones for the best taste.
• Skipping the lemon juice: This ingredient brightens the dish. Don’t skip it; add it just before serving for a burst of freshness.
• Not stirring enough: Stirring prevents pasta from sticking. Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking to keep everything well mixed.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Consume within 3-5 days for optimal taste.

Freezing Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and consume within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat until warm, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water to a pan, heat on medium-low, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) that might help you get the most out of this dish.

Can I customize Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!)?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition or protein sources such as grilled chicken or shrimp.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Shellbow pasta is recommended, but feel free to use any short pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.

Is Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep due to its simple ingredients and quick cooking time. Store portions in individual containers for easy lunches.

How do I make this dish vegan?

To make Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) vegan, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) is not only delicious but also versatile. It serves as a perfect meatless main course or side dish. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting meal that comes together in no time!