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 ground black 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 Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; ½ lb. Shellbow pasta (or similar pasta such as cavatappi, medium shells, orecchiette, farfalle, rotini)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 7 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe with friends because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s creamy, loaded with fresh garlic, and boasts a bright splash of lemon juice that lifts the flavors beautifully. The best part is that it all comes together in just one pot, making the clean-up super easy and the cooking process a total breeze. Whether I’m craving a comforting meal or a quick side dish, this pasta always hits the spot with its rich, herby, and decadent taste.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

What really makes this Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe stand out to me is the incredible depth of flavor despite its simple ingredients. The fresh garlic mingles perfectly with a blend of dried herbs, and then the butter, Parmesan, and lemon juice create this luscious sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. Each bite feels indulgent yet bright and fresh at the same time. I love how the mustard powder and soy sauce sneak in as flavor boosters without dominating the dish, adding an underlying complexity that keeps me coming back for more.

Another reason I’m so passionate about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. Since everything cooks in one pot, I don’t have to juggle multiple pans or make a mess in the kitchen. It’s perfect when I want something comforting but don’t have a lot of time to fuss over dinner. This meal is incredibly versatile too — I often serve it as a main course for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing side at gatherings. Honestly, if you love garlic and buttery sauces but want to keep things simple, this recipe is a total winner in my book.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the sauce’s rich flavor and silky texture. From the fresh garlic that adds pungent aroma, to the savory chicken broth and smooth half and half that form the creamy base, every component works together to create that perfect pasta experience.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder (¾ teaspoon each): These herbs create a fragrant, herbaceous base and the mustard powder subtly lifts flavors.
Dried thyme, onion powder, pepper (¼ teaspoon each): These add layers of depth and a tiny bit of warming spice to balance the richness.
Butter – 4 tablespoons, divided: Butter is the star that makes the sauce silky, smooth, and indulgently rich.
Fresh garlic – 4 cloves, minced: Fresh garlic brings a bright, sharp aroma that’s absolutely essential here.
Chicken broth – 2 ¾ cups: The broth adds savory depth and serves as the liquid base for the pasta to cook in.
Half and half – ¾ cup: This mild creaminess thickens the sauce without overwhelming it.
Soy sauce – 1 teaspoon: A subtle umami hit that elevates the savoriness without tasting soy-heavy.
Chicken bouillon cube – ½ cube: Adds concentrated chicken flavor enhancing the broth and overall richness.
Parmesan cheese – ¾ cup, freshly grated: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce adding a nutty, salty finish.
Fresh lemon juice – 2 tablespoons: Lemon juice brightens and balances the butter and cheese, giving the dish a lovely zing.
Shellbow pasta – ½ lb: I love this cross between shells and elbows as it cradles the sauce perfectly; feel free to swap your favorite pasta shape.

Directions

Step 1: Combine all the dried seasonings in a small bowl and set aside. Then, measure out your remaining ingredients before you start cooking because the recipe moves quickly once you begin.

Step 2: In a soup pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and seasoning mixture, stirring continuously until the butter starts to foam and the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned—this should take about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and crumble in the chicken bouillon cube. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Add the pasta to the boiling liquid and return the pot to a gentle boil. Let the pasta cook uncovered according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes. Use a silicone spatula to frequently stir and scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent the pasta from sticking or settling.

Step 5: Taste the pasta to check for doneness. Once tender, reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 6: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, cover the pot, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the butter to melt completely.

Step 7: Give the pasta a gentle final stir to incorporate the melted butter fully. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy every garlicky, buttery bite.

Servings and Timing

This Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe yields about 6 generous servings, making it perfect for family dinners or feeding a small crowd. The prep time is a quick 15 minutes, mostly for mincing garlic and measuring ingredients. Cooking takes about 15 minutes as the pasta simmers in the delicious sauce. Overall, you’re looking at just around 30 minutes from start to finish, with no additional resting time necessary—just pure, wonderful pasta ready to enjoy.

How to Serve This Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

When I serve this garlic butter pasta, I like to keep it simple to highlight the rich, buttery herb-infused flavors. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or my favorite olive oil bread dip also make excellent sides, adding a crunchy texture and extra garlic goodness for those who love a carb feast.

For garnishing, I often sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan and some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbal note that elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. Plating it in shallow bowls helps to collect any sauce at the bottom, making every forkful extra saucy and delicious.

If you’re looking to make an occasion out of it, this pasta pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, both of which complement the garlic and lemon flavors without overpowering them. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a twist of lemon refreshes the palate nicely. I serve this warm and fresh, right out of the pot, as the flavors and texture are at their peak then—though leftovers reheat nicely too.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe to suit different preferences. For a vegetarian version, swapping the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth works perfectly without losing depth of flavor. To make it vegan, I use a plant-based butter and coconut or cashew cream instead of half and half, plus nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan; it creates a lovely cheesy undertone.

For a protein boost, you can toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu right at the end. This turns the pasta into a hearty main dish without complicating the cooking process. You can also switch up the herbs — fresh thyme or rosemary can add new aromatic layers. If you like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté step gives the dish a gentle kick.

As for cooking methods, while the one pot approach is my favorite for ease, you can try browning the garlic in butter separately for an extra-toasty flavor and then combining everything in the pot to finish. The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is while still delivering that comforting, buttery, garlicky magic.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Garlic Butter Pasta store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers with tight seals to maintain freshness. It will keep nicely for up to 3 days, which means you can plan for easy meals later in the week without sacrificing flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta if you want to save it for longer, but keep in mind that the texture won’t be exactly the same once thawed. To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and use within 3 months for the best taste. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this pasta is gently on the stovetop using a makeshift double boiler: place the container or a heatproof bowl over simmering water and stir occasionally until warm. This method restores the creamy sauce better than microwaving, which can sometimes make the pasta dry or separate. If using a microwave, add a splash of broth or half and half and cover loosely to keep moisture in. Be sure to stir halfway through so the pasta heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I love using Shellbow pasta because it holds the sauce well, other shapes like Cavatappi, Orecchiette, Farfalle, or Medium Shells work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions as some shapes may cook faster or slower.

Is it necessary to use fresh garlic, or can I use jarred minced garlic?

For the best flavor, fresh garlic is essential in this recipe. It adds a fragrant, bright taste that jarred garlic just can’t replicate. Fresh garlic also gives the sauce a lovely texture and aroma that’s key to the recipe’s signature flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil, replace half and half with your favorite plant-based milk like cashew or oat milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Also, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. These substitutions create a delicious vegan-friendly version that’s still creamy and flavorful.

What’s the role of mustard powder and soy sauce in this pasta?

Both mustard powder and soy sauce act as subtle flavor enhancers. They add depth and umami to the dish without making these flavors prominent. You won’t taste them outright, but they make the sauce more rounded and savory, elevating the overall taste experience.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the seasonings and grate the Parmesan ahead to save time, but I recommend cooking the pasta fresh. Since this is a one pot creamy pasta, it tastes best when freshly made. If you must prepare in advance, store it properly and reheat gently as described above for the best results.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe because it’s truly become one of my all-time favorite go-to meals. It’s comforting, flavorful, and comes together effortlessly without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this pasta is sure to bring smiles and satisfy those carb-loving cravings. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation just like I do!