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Creamy garlic butter pasta in white bowl with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese

Garlic Butter Pasta

This one-pot Garlic Butter Pasta is creamy, garlicky, and loaded with Parmesan and lemon for a bright, herb-infused flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect meatless meal or versatile side dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 0.75 teaspoon each dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon each dried thyme, onion powder, black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons butter divided
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 2.75 cups chicken broth
  • 0.75 cup half and half
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 0.5 cube chicken bouillon
  • 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 lb pasta Shellbow, Cavatappi, Medium Shells, Orecchiette, Farfalle, or Rotini

Equipment

  • Large soup pot
  • Silicone spatula
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Mix all seasonings in a small bowl. Measure out remaining ingredients before starting.
  2. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add garlic and seasonings, stirring until butter foams and garlic is fragrant.
  3. Add chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and bouillon cube. Stir well.
  4. Bring to a boil and add pasta. Cook uncovered according to package directions, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Taste pasta for doneness before proceeding.
  5. Lower heat and gradually stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
  6. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter, cover briefly, then stir gently into pasta. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh garlic cloves and freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. Stir frequently to avoid sticking. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Pasta is best served fresh but can be refrigerated or frozen.