Description

This Garlic Butter Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot dish perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Made with a rich garlic butter sauce, fresh herbs, and plenty of Parmesan cheese, this recipe is both comforting and easy to prepare. Ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal effort, it combines tender pasta with a luscious, cheesy sauce brightened by fresh lemon juice.

Ingredients

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Seasonings

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

Sauce and Pasta

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

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Instructions

Prepare Seasonings: Combine all the dried herbs and spices in a small bowl and set aside. Measure out all other ingredients to have them ready before starting the cooking process as this recipe moves quickly.
Sauté Garlic and Seasonings: In a soup pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and the seasoning mix. Stir continuously until the butter begins to foam and the garlic is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Add Liquids and Bouillon: Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and crumble in the chicken bouillon cube. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook Pasta: Add the Shellbow pasta to the boiling liquid. Return to a gentle boil and cook uncovered according to the pasta package instructions, typically around 10-12 minutes. Use a silicone spatula to stir the pasta occasionally and prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Taste test to ensure pasta is cooked to your preference.
Add Cheese and Lemon Juice: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Finish with Butter: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pasta, cover the pot and let it melt completely. Gently stir to incorporate the butter, then serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use fresh garlic cloves rather than jarred for superior flavor.
Grate Parmesan cheese fresh from a wedge; pre-grated cheese does not melt as well.
The lemon juice should be freshly squeezed to maximize brightness and flavor.
Shellbow pasta offers a great texture, but Cavatappi, medium shells, Orecchiette, Farfalle, or Rotini are excellent alternatives.
The mustard powder and soy sauce act as subtle flavor enhancers without overpowering the garlic butter taste.
For added protein, consider incorporating cooked chicken for a Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta variation.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a makeshift double boiler to preserve creamy texture.
This pasta pairs beautifully with Chicken Milanese, Garlic Bread with Cheese, or No Knead Bread with Olive Oil Dip.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: thirty-five g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg