Description
Let’s be real — sometimes you just need pasta that tastes like a warm hug, and this one-pot garlic butter pasta is exactly that. We’re talking tender pasta swimming in the most luxurious, garlicky butter sauce that somehow manages to coat every single piece perfectly. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, so you get maximum flavor with minimum cleanup. It’s like the universe finally understood that we don’t always have the energy for complicated cooking but we still deserve something that tastes incredible. This is comfort food at its finest — simple, satisfying, and so good you’ll want to lick the bowl (no judgment here).
Ingredients
The Essentials:
- 1 lb short pasta (tubetti, ditalini, or small shells work best)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on this!)
- 6 tbsp butter, divided
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Finishing Touches:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra parmesan for serving
- Lemon wedges (trust me on this)
- Red pepper flakes (optional kick)
Instructions
Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant — don’t let it brown or it’ll get bitter.
Add the dry pasta to the pot and stir it around for 2-3 minutes. This toasts the pasta slightly and gives it incredible flavor. You’ll hear it sizzling — that’s the good stuff happening.
Pour in the broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and immediately stir in the remaining 4 tbsp butter and parmesan cheese. The residual heat will melt everything into a silky sauce. If it looks too thick, add a splash more milk. Too thin? Let it sit for a few minutes — it’ll thicken up.
Season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust — more garlic powder? More cheese? This is your moment to make it perfect.
Notes
- With grilled chicken or shrimp for protein
- Alongside a crisp Caesar salad for contrast
- With crusty garlic bread for ultimate carb heaven
- Topped with cherry tomatoes for color and freshness
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~52g
- Protein: ~12g