One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta – Quick, Creamy, and Irresistible
For busy weeknights, there’s nothing better than a creamy pasta dish that comes together in one pot. The One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta is rich, flavorful, and effortless — combining tender pasta with a garlicky butter sauce, finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley.
This recipe eliminates multiple pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze while still delivering that homemade, restaurant-quality flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner, family meal, or last-minute guest gathering, this dish will become your go-to weeknight favorite.
Why One Pot Pasta Works
- Less Mess, More Flavor – Cooking pasta directly in the sauce allows noodles to absorb all the garlicky, buttery goodness.
- Quick Cooking – Ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Customizable – Add chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for extra protein and color.
- Creamy, Comforting Texture – Butter and Parmesan create a rich coating that clings beautifully to each strand of pasta.
Ingredients
– 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
– Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn.
- Pour in broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add pasta and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
- Stir in remaining butter and grated Parmesan cheese until creamy and smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta and serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Pasta
- Don’t overcook the pasta. The pasta should be slightly al dente as it will continue cooking when you stir in cheese.
- Use fresh garlic. It makes a noticeable difference compared to pre-minced garlic.
- Add protein or vegetables. Sautéed chicken, shrimp, broccoli, or mushrooms make this a complete meal.
- Adjust creaminess. Add more broth or cream if you like a looser sauce.
One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add pasta, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in remaining butter and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp side salad.
- Pair with a glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of chili flakes for added flavor.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
Final Thoughts
The One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta is comfort food made simple. With rich, garlicky flavor and creamy texture, it proves that quick weeknight dinners can still be indulgent and satisfying. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility and minimal cleanup — a true winner for any busy home cook.
