One-Pot Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta
A smooth and effortless one-pot pasta with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 cup, freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz spaghetti pasta in a single layer, ensuring it's submerged in the broth; reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until cheese melts and coats the pasta smoothly.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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