Description
This creamy Garlic Butter Pasta is a rich, flavorful one-pot meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Infused with a blend of dried herbs, fresh garlic, and Parmesan cheese, it offers a comforting and satisfying dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. The use of chicken broth and half and half creates a luscious sauce that coats every shell of the pasta beautifully.
Ingredients
Seasonings
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¾ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Main Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 ¾ cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ lb. shellbow pasta
Instructions
- Prepare Seasonings and Ingredients: Combine the dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder, thyme, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl and set aside. Measure out all other ingredients to have them ready, as the cooking process moves quickly.
- Sauté Garlic and Seasonings: Place 3 tablespoons of butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and seasoning mixture. Stir continuously until the butter starts to foam and the garlic becomes 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.
- Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the shellbow pasta to the pot. Return to a gentle boil and cook uncovered according to the pasta package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Use a silicone spatula to frequently stir and scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Incorporate Cheese and Lemon: Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice.
- Finish with Butter: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot and cover it with a lid. Let the butter melt completely, then gently stir it through the pasta to enhance richness and flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Shellbow pasta is a small shell-shaped pasta ideal for this recipe; fusilli or rotini can be good substitutes.
- Stirring the pasta frequently during cooking prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensures even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese to taste for a creamier or lighter sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth and bouillon with vegetable broth and vegetarian bouillon cubes.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor; pre-grated may not melt as smoothly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
