One-Pan Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta: A Creamy, Comforting Classic

There’s something truly irresistible about the combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese—and when they come together in one pan with perfectly cooked pasta, the result is pure comfort. This One-Pan Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta is creamy, rich, and ready in under 30 minutes. I made this dish on a weeknight when I wanted something simple yet satisfying, and it quickly became a household favorite. The garlic-infused butter creates an aromatic base, the Parmesan melts into a velvety sauce, and the pasta soaks up every bit of that savory flavor. It’s elegant enough for company but simple enough for busy evenings—a one-pan wonder that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. You’ll love how it requires just one pan, a few pantry staples, and minimal cleanup. The sauce develops naturally as the pasta cooks in the broth, absorbing all the garlicky, buttery goodness. The result? A luscious, creamy pasta with the perfect balance of richness and lightness. It’s endlessly customizable—add vegetables, chicken, or shrimp to make it a full meal. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this pasta is the kind of recipe that always delivers comfort in every bite.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Every ingredient in this dish works in harmony to create that signature buttery-garlic-Parmesan flavor.

Butter – The foundation of the sauce. It adds richness and a silky texture that coats the pasta beautifully.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is essential here. It infuses the butter with a deep, aromatic flavor that defines the dish.

Pasta – Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work wonderfully. I’ve also made it with penne—it’s great for catching the sauce in every bite.

Chicken broth – Cooking the pasta directly in broth gives it more flavor than plain water and forms the base for the sauce.

Heavy cream or milk – Adds creaminess and helps the sauce thicken naturally. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk.

Parmesan cheese – The star ingredient that adds savory depth, saltiness, and creaminess. Freshly grated Parmesan melts best.

Olive oil – Blends with the butter to prevent it from browning too quickly and adds a subtle richness.

Salt and black pepper – Enhance all the flavors without overpowering the garlic and cheese.

Parsley (optional) – A touch of freshness and color to finish the dish beautifully.

Directions

In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and golden, but not browned.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the pasta directly to the pan, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for about 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (or milk). Mix well until the sauce begins to thicken and coat the pasta.

Add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until it melts into a creamy, glossy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss the pasta thoroughly to ensure it’s evenly coated in the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

Serve immediately for the best creamy texture and rich flavor.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore the creaminess. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.

Variations and Customizations

Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Add sautéed shrimp to the sauce for a restaurant-style upgrade packed with protein and flavor.

Chicken Alfredo Twist
Toss in cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for a hearty version that feels like homemade Alfredo.

Spicy Kick
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a gentle heat that balances the creaminess.

Vegetable Boost
Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and nutrition.

Lemon-Parmesan Pasta
Add a splash of lemon juice or zest for a refreshing tang that brightens up the sauce.

Extra-Cheesy Version
Mix in mozzarella or cream cheese along with Parmesan for an even richer, meltier texture.

Bacon Lover’s Delight
Top with crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory crunch.

Vegan Adaptation
Use plant-based butter, coconut milk, and vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free yet still creamy option.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?

You can, but freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a smoother sauce.

2. What kind of pasta works best?

Long pastas like spaghetti or fettuccine, but short ones like penne or rotini also work well.

3. Can I use water instead of broth?

Yes, but broth adds a richer, more flavorful base to the dish.

4. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer a bit longer, or add more Parmesan cheese to achieve the desired consistency.

5. Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely—shrimp, chicken, or even Italian sausage are all great additions.

6. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat on low heat with a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy.

7. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh since the sauce thickens as it cools.

8. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook it over medium heat and keep it moving in the butter—burned garlic can make the dish bitter.

9. Can I use another cheese besides Parmesan?

Yes, Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or Grana Padano make excellent substitutes.

10. What can I serve with it?

Garlic bread, grilled vegetables, or a crisp green salad pair beautifully with this pasta.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. With creamy sauce, aromatic garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving. Quick to make, easy to clean up, and endlessly adaptable, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Once you taste this creamy, garlicky perfection, it’ll become one of your go-to comfort meals—simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious.

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