Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple pantry ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes. I’ve been making this recipe for over twenty years, and it never fails to bring my family running to the dinner table with its incredible aroma of buttery garlic and fresh herbs.
There’s something magical about the way butter and garlic come together in a hot pan – that first sizzle always takes me back to Sunday afternoons in my grandmother’s farmhouse kitchen. She taught me that the secret to exceptional pasta isn’t fancy ingredients, but rather taking time to build layers of flavor, starting with that perfect garlic butter base. This one pot garlic butter pasta recipe captures all those comforting memories while making cleanup a breeze. The herb-infused sauce with fresh Parmesan and a bright splash of lemon juice creates the kind of satisfying meal that makes ordinary weeknights feel special. It’s become as beloved in my kitchen as my chicken marinade recipes for adding incredible flavor to simple ingredients. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Pasta
This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort and uses ingredients I always have on hand. The combination of aromatic herbs, fresh garlic, and creamy Parmesan creates a sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of pasta, while the one pot method means you can have dinner on the table without creating a sink full of dishes.
- Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
- One pot recipe means minimal cleanup and less stress
- Perfect as a satisfying main dish or elegant side dish
- Herb-infused buttery sauce with incredible depth of flavor
- Fresh garlic and Parmesan create restaurant-quality taste
- Bright lemon juice makes all the flavors pop and come alive
- Works with various pasta shapes you likely have in your pantry, just like how different ingredients work beautifully in my shrimp stir fry with noodles – it’s all about that perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio
- Excellent meatless meal option that’s filling and nutritious
This creamy garlic butter pasta is more than just a quick dinner—it’s comfort food that brings warmth to any table and creates those special moments we all treasure.
Ingredient Note List
Dried Basil, Oregano, and Parsley: These three herbs form the flavor foundation of the sauce and create that classic Italian-inspired taste that makes this garlic butter pasta so irresistible.
Fresh Garlic Cloves: I always recommend using fresh garlic instead of the jarred variety because it provides a more vibrant, aromatic flavor that really shines through in the finished dish. It’s the same reason I use fresh garlic in my Mexican chicken marinade – that intense flavor just can’t be replicated.
Butter: The butter creates the rich, silky base for our sauce and helps carry all the herb and garlic flavors throughout every bite of pasta.
Chicken Broth: This adds savory depth and helps create the perfect sauce consistency while the pasta cooks, eliminating the need for a separate pot.
Half and Half: The cream adds luxurious richness without being too heavy, creating that perfect creamy texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
Soy Sauce: This might seem unusual, but it acts as a secret flavor enhancer that adds umami depth without making the dish taste Asian.
Parmesan Cheese: I always use freshly grated Parmesan from a wedge because it melts smoother and provides much better flavor than the pre-grated varieties.
Fresh Lemon Juice: The bright acidity cuts through the richness and makes all the other flavors pop – never skip this ingredient.
Pasta Shapes: Medium-sized pasta with curves or ridges like shells, cavatappi, or farfalle work perfectly because they hold onto the creamy garlic butter sauce.
How to Cook Garlic Butter Pasta
Step 1. I always start by combining all the dried herbs in a small bowl so they’re ready to go – this recipe moves quickly once you begin cooking.
Step 2. In my large soup pot, I melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and herb mixture, stirring constantly until the butter starts to foam. This technique of building flavor layers reminds me of making my Mornay sauce – both start with that perfect butter foundation.
Step 3. I’ve learned to add the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and bouillon cube all at once – this creates the perfect cooking liquid for the pasta.
Step 4. Once the mixture comes to a rolling boil, I add the pasta and bring it back to a gentle boil, cooking according to the package directions.
Step 5. Throughout cooking, I run my silicone spatula along the bottom of the pot regularly to prevent the pasta from sticking – this step is crucial for success.
Step 6. When the pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, I reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely.
Step 7. After removing the pot from heat, I stir in the fresh lemon juice and remaining tablespoon of butter, then cover the pot briefly to let everything meld together perfectly.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover garlic butter pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. Unlike heavier dishes like slow cooker sloppy joes, this pasta actually develops even better flavors after a night in the fridge.
For longer storage, this pasta freezes well for up to 3 months when stored in freezer-safe containers. I recommend dividing it into individual portions before freezing to make reheating more convenient later on.
When it comes to reheating, I’ve found the best method is creating a makeshift double boiler on the stovetop – place the pasta in a bowl over simmering water and stir gently until warmed through. You can also microwave it with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy consistency, though the texture won’t be exactly the same as when freshly made.
Garlic Butter Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix all seasonings in a small bowl. Measure out remaining ingredients before starting.
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add garlic and seasonings, stirring until butter foams and garlic is fragrant.
- Add chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and bouillon cube. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil and add pasta. Cook uncovered according to package directions, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Taste pasta for doneness before proceeding.
- Lower heat and gradually stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter, cover briefly, then stir gently into pasta. Serve immediately.
Notes
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Pasta
Fried Chicken Cutlets: The golden, crispy coating and tender chicken create a perfect protein pairing that transforms this pasta into an elegant, restaurant-style dinner.
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad: This refreshing, crisp cucumber salad provides the perfect light contrast to the rich, creamy garlic butter sauce while adding a beautiful pop of color to your plate.
BBQ Chicken Sliders: These mini sandwiches make this pasta perfect for casual family dinners or entertaining, offering a fun finger food that everyone loves.
Greek Yogurt Chicken: The tender, herb-seasoned chicken provides lean protein while complementing the garlic and herb flavors already present in the pasta dish.
Simple Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing provide a fresh counterpoint to the rich, buttery pasta sauce while keeping the meal balanced.
Ham Spiral: For special occasions or holiday meals, the sweet glaze and savory ham create an impressive main course pairing with this elegant pasta side.
FAQs
A typical serving contains approximately 450-500 calories, though this can vary depending on the pasta shape and portion size you choose.
Absolutely! I recommend using half and half or even whole milk as a lighter alternative – the pasta will still be creamy and delicious with slightly less richness.
While this dish is rich and indulgent, it provides good protein from the Parmesan cheese and pasta, plus you can easily add protein like the chicken from my baked chicken bites recipe for a heartier family meal.
I’ve found that medium-sized shapes with curves or ridges like shells, cavatappi, or farfalle work perfectly because they grab and hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
