Name: Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3/4 teaspoon dried basil; 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley; 3/4 teaspoon mustard powder; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper; 4 tablespoons butter, divided; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 3/4 cups chicken broth; 3/4 cup half and half; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1/2 chicken bouillon cube; 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/2 pound Shellbow pasta

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 5 reviews

I can’t tell you how many times this Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe has swooped in to save my weeknight dinners. It’s one of those magical dishes that feels cozy and indulgent, yet it’s so quick to make, which is perfect when you want something hearty without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone. Plus, cooking it all in one pot means fewer dishes to wash – can I get an amen?

What I love most about this Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe is that it’s packed with rich, garlicky butter goodness and a subtle tang from fresh lemon juice that brightens everything up. You don’t need to be a pasta pro to whip it up, and with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding family or just craving some comfort food for one.

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Wonder: Cooking the pasta right in the sauce means extra flavor absorption with less cleanup.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The garlic butter richness pairs beautifully with lemon juice and Parmesan cheese for that irresistible tang and creaminess.
Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You likely have most of these in your pantry already, making it easy to pull together last-minute meals.
Versatile & Customizable: Easily add your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your taste or dietary needs.

The image shows a large round white pot filled with small shell-shaped pasta coated in a creamy cheese sauce, with herbs sprinkled evenly throughout. The sauce looks smooth and thick, slightly shiny, and clings to the pasta shells. A turquoise spoon rests on the right side inside the pot, partially stirring the pasta. The pot sits on a white marbled surface that shines softly under natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe is a dream team of foundational flavors that come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Each ingredient is chosen to build layers of flavor while keeping the dish simple and fuss-free.

Dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder, thyme, onion powder, pepper: These seasonings form a robust herb and spice base that’s aromatic and flavorful without overpowering the pasta.
Butter: Essential for that silky, rich texture and deep garlic flavor—divided so you get buttery goodness both during cooking and finishing.
Fresh garlic: A must for that punch of garlicky warmth—skip the jarred stuff for this one; fresh makes all the difference.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and acts as the cooking liquid for the pasta, infusing it with flavor.
Half and half: Offers creaminess without making the sauce overly heavy—balance is key here.
Soy sauce: An unexpected flavor enhancer that adds umami complexity without tasting “soy-saucy.”
Chicken bouillon cube: Packs a punch of concentrated flavor to boost the sauce’s savory profile.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for even melting and that irresistible nutty, salty finish.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh zing that cuts through the richness.
Shellbow pasta: A fun hybrid of shells and elbows that holds sauce beautifully—plus, it cooks quickly and evenly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe my own by swapping in whatever I have on hand or adding an extra punch of flavor. The beauty of this dish is how forgiving and flexible it is—you can totally make it your own and still come out with a winner.

Variation: I often toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie boost; both add texture and freshness without complicating the dish.
Protein Add-ons: Grilled chicken or shrimp fold in well if you want more substance, turning this into a full meal.
Dairy-Free Twist: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use coconut milk instead of half and half—though the flavor shifts, it’s surprisingly good.
Spice Level: For a little kick, I sometimes sprinkle in red pepper flakes as the garlic sautés; it livens up the whole dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Before lighting the stove, I like to measure out all my seasonings and line up the butters, garlic, liquids, and pasta. This recipe moves fast once you start, so having everything ready will keep you on track without fumbling for a missing ingredient.

Step 2: Melt Butter & Sauté Garlic with Seasonings

Heat 3 tablespoons of butter over medium in a large soup pot. As it melts and begins to foam, stir in the minced garlic along with all the dried seasonings. Keep stirring continuously—this prevents the garlic from burning and ensures all those herbs bloom in the butter’s warmth.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Bring to a Boil

Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and toss in the chicken bouillon cube. Turn up the heat to bring this flavorful mixture to a boil—this is the base that will cook your pasta and infuse it with savory goodness.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Directly in the Pot

Add the Shellbow pasta once the liquid boils, then reduce to a gentle boil. Cook uncovered, following package instructions for timing. I recommend using a silicone spatula to gently stir and scrape the bottom throughout—this stops the pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.

After about 10-12 minutes, taste a piece for tenderness—the pasta should be al dente, tender but with a little bite.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan, Lemon, and Butter

Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese; you’ll notice the sauce immediately thickening into a creamy, luscious coating. Immediately remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice for a brightness that cuts through all that richness.

Finally, add the remaining tablespoon of butter, cover the pot for a few minutes so it can melt, then gently stir it through the pasta just before serving—you get this beautiful, velvety finish that’s irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

Use Fresh Garlic: It completely elevates the flavor compared to jarred minced garlic—your sauce will taste brighter and fresher.
Don’t Skip Stirring: Stir constantly while cooking the pasta to keep it from sticking and burning on the bottom of the pot.
Grate Parmesan Yourself: Pre-grated cheese has additives that prevent smooth melting, so fresh grated Parmesan is key for creaminess.
Let Butter Melt Covered: Covering the pot to melt the final butter gives a silky finish that ties the whole dish together beautifully.

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

A white round bowl filled with a single layer of small shell-shaped pasta covered in a creamy, light yellow sauce with visible small dark green herb specks evenly spread throughout, sitting on a white marbled surface. The pasta shells appear soft and coated well by the sauce, giving a smooth and slightly shiny texture, making the dish look warm and comforting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a little more freshly grated Parmesan on top along with some chopped fresh parsley for color and a touch of freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a few red pepper flakes add a nice pop of heat without stealing the show. For the ultimate garlic boost, a drizzle of good quality olive oil finishes it off perfectly.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs amazingly with a simple side salad or my favorite Garlic Bread with Cheese, which doubles down on the buttery garlic flavor. If I have more time, I’ll serve it with Chicken Milanese for a delightful protein complement. For something heartier, a crusty homemade bread like No Knead Bread works beautifully to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this in shallow bowls topped with a sprig of fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon on the side—this adds a touch of elegance without fuss. Alternatively, plating it alongside roasted cherry tomatoes or asparagus spears adds color and vibrancy on the plate. It’s a simple dish that feels like a restaurant meal when presented thoughtfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Garlic Butter Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen it up while keeping that rich flavor intact.

Freezing

While I don’t freeze this often, it’s possible if you portion it out in freezer-safe containers and cover tightly. I’ve found the texture isn’t quite the same after thawing, but the flavors stay delicious. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheating Garlic Butter Pasta on the stovetop using a makeshift double boiler keeps it creamy without drying out or sticking. Gently warm it with a splash of broth or milk, stirring often until it’s heated through — this method brings the sauce back to silky perfection.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe?

Absolutely! While I prefer Shellbow pasta for its unique shape and sauce-holding ability, other short pasta like cavatappi, medium shells, rotini, or orecchiette work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Is it okay to use jarred minced garlic instead of fresh?

Fresh garlic is key here because it delivers a brighter, more vibrant flavor that jarred garlic can’t match. If you must use jarred, use a smaller amount since it’s more concentrated, but the dish will definitely taste better with fresh cloves.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap out chicken broth and bouillon for vegetable-based versions, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian-friendly Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe without sacrificing flavor.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot while cooking?

Stirring frequently and gently scraping the bottom with a silicone spatula is the best way to keep pasta from sticking and burning. Also, make sure there’s enough liquid to fully cover the pasta and maintain a gentle boil during cooking.
Can I add protein directly in this recipe?

Sure thing! While this recipe shines as is, you can toss in pre-cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed veggies toward the end to bulk it up. Just be mindful of cooking times so you don’t overcook your additions.

Final Thoughts

If you want an easy, elegant, and downright comforting meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes, this Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe has got your back. It feels fancy without the fuss and packs flavors that stick in your memory. Honestly, once you try this, it might just become your go-to weeknight staple. Trust me—you’ll want to keep this one in your regular rotation.