Description
This creamy Garlic Butter Pasta is a delicious one-pot meal that comes together quickly in just 30 minutes. Packed with rich butter, fresh garlic, and a blend of dried herbs, it’s cooked in a savory broth and half and half mixture, creating a luscious sauce with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a hint of lemon juice for brightness. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe yields six satisfying servings.
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
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
Instructions
- Prepare Seasonings and Ingredients: Combine all the dried seasonings—basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder, thyme, onion powder, and pepper—into a small bowl and set aside. Measure out all remaining ingredients to have everything ready before you start cooking, as the recipe moves quickly.
- Sauté Garlic and Seasonings: Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and the seasoning mix, stirring continuously until the butter begins to foam and the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Bouillon: 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.
- Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, add the shellbow pasta to the pot. Return to a gentle boil and cook uncovered according to the pasta package instructions, stirring occasionally. Use a silicone spatula to scrape along the bottom of the pot frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking. Taste the pasta to ensure it is cooked to your liking.
- Incorporate Cheese and Lemon Juice: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Finish with Butter: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot. Cover it to let the butter melt, then gently stir it into the pasta, creating a creamy, glossy finish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese significantly enhances the flavor and texture of the sauce.
- Spoon the seasonings together before starting to streamline the cooking process.
- Shellbow pasta is preferred for this recipe, but any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or penne can be used as a substitute.
- Stirring frequently during pasta cooking prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust the lemon juice to taste if you prefer a more tangy or subtle brightness.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the chicken bouillon cube or replace with a vegetarian alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
