Description
A creamy, flavorful one-pot Garlic Butter Pasta infused with fresh garlic, herbs, Parmesan, and lemon juice. This quick and easy recipe combines tender pasta with a rich, buttery sauce perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Seasonings
- 0.75 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.75 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.75 teaspoon dried parsley
- 0.75 teaspoon mustard powder
- 0.25 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
Sauce and Pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2.75 cups chicken broth
- 0.75 cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 0.5 chicken bouillon cube
- 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 lb Shellbow pasta
Instructions
- Prepare Seasonings and Ingredients: Combine all the seasonings together in a small bowl and set aside. Measure and have all other ingredients ready before starting since the cooking process goes quickly.
- Sauté Garlic and Seasonings: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and the combined seasonings. Stir continuously until the butter begins to foam, releasing the aroma.
- Add Liquids and Bouillon: Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and crumble in the chicken bouillon cube. Bring this mixture to a boil to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the Shellbow pasta to the boiling liquid. Allow the mixture to return to a gentle boil, cooking uncovered according to the pasta package instructions (usually around 10-12 minutes). Stir occasionally using a silicone spatula to lift any pasta sticking to the bottom. Taste to ensure pasta is cooked through.
- Add Parmesan and Lemon Juice: Lower the heat to low and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Finish with Butter and Serve: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pasta. Cover the pot to allow the butter to melt, then gently stir to combine for a silky finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh garlic cloves rather than jarred minced garlic for best flavor.
- Grate Parmesan cheese from a wedge instead of using pre-grated cheese to achieve better melting and taste.
- Choose freshly squeezed lemon juice for a superior, bright flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
- Shellbow pasta is recommended, but other shapes like Cavatappi, Medium Shells, Orecchiette, Farfalle, or Rotini work well too.
- Mustard powder and soy sauce are flavor enhancers that add subtle depth without being overpowering.
- Optionally add cooked chicken for protein to make this dish more filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat using a double boiler on the stovetop to best restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
- Serve alongside Chicken Milanese, Garlic Bread with Cheese, No Knead Bread, or Olive Oil Bread Dip for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
