If you adore creamy, comforting dishes that come together with minimal fuss, you are going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe. Imagine tender shellbow pasta bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, infused with fragrant herbs and a zing of fresh lemon juice, all cooked in a single pot for ultimate ease and maximum flavor. This dish is a weeknight game-changer, marrying simplicity and elegance with every bite.

A white bowl filled with two layers of small shell pasta and cheese sauce, the pasta is light yellow with specks of green herbs visible throughout. The creamy cheese sauce coats the shells evenly, showing a smooth texture mixed with tiny bits of herbs. The pasta shells have a rounded shape and slightly shiny surface, resting on a white marbled background with part of a white cloth visible near the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients pack a punch without overwhelming your pantry. Each one plays an important role, from the dreamy creaminess of half and half to the fresh pop of lemon juice that brightens the dish. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh garlic, this recipe is proof that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated.

Dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder (¾ teaspoon each): These herbs and spice give the sauce a fragrant, layered flavor that complements the garlic perfectly.
Dried thyme, onion powder, pepper (¼ teaspoon each): These subtle seasonings deepen the savory profile and add gentle heat without overpowering.
Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Key for that rich, velvety mouthfeel and for toasting the garlic to fragrant perfection.
Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced): The heart of the recipe, offering a punch of warm, aromatic flavor.
Chicken broth (2 ¾ cups): Provides a savory base that infuses the pasta as it cooks, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Half and half (¾ cup): Adds creamy indulgence without making the sauce too heavy.
Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): A small splash brings depth and umami that enhances all the other ingredients.
Chicken bouillon cube (½ cube): Intensifies the broth’s savory richness for perfect seasoning.
Parmesan cheese (¾ cup, freshly grated): Offers sharp, nutty notes that elevate the cheese factor sky-high.
Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): A bright pop that balances the richness and brings freshness to the plate.
Shellbow pasta (½ pound): Cleverly shaped pasta that holds onto the lush sauce beautifully.

How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Seasonings and Ingredients

Combine all the dried herbs and spices in a small bowl and set it aside. Measure out your remaining ingredients so you’re ready to move quickly—it’s important to have everything prepped because this dish comes together fast and shines when cooked with confidence.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Herbs in Butter

In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and your mixed seasonings. Stir constantly and watch for the butter to start foaming—that’s the signal your garlic is releasing all its aromatic goodness without burning. This flavorful base is what makes this Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe truly sing.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Bouillon

Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and crumble in half of a chicken bouillon cube. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. This mixture is your sauce and cooking liquid, so make sure it’s well blended before adding your pasta.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Until Perfect

Add your shellbow pasta straight to the boiling sauce. Keep the heat at a gentle boil and cook uncovered, stirring gently and scraping the bottom with a silicone spatula regularly to prevent sticking. This continuous stirring is the secret to ensuring an even cook and that every noodle is coated in the luscious liquid. Taste the pasta as it nears the package’s suggested cooking time to catch it at perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Enrich with Parmesan and Lemon

Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice—the citrus brightness cuts through the richness and lifts the flavors beautifully.

Step 6: Finish with Butter and Serve

Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pot, cover it, and let the butter melt gently into the pasta. Give everything a final gentle stir to combine all the elements, and your Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe is ready to wow your taste buds.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe

Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a vibrant green contrast and a fresh fragrance that brightens the dish. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top never fails to please, and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can add a pleasant hint of heat if you like a little spice with your buttery goodness.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich sauce. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of the decadent sauce, making it a meal that feels indulgent yet satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe in warmed shallow bowls to keep it cozy and inviting. For a festive touch, garnish with edible flowers or a strip of crisp pancetta on top. You can even swirl in some roasted vegetables or grilled chicken for a heartier presentation that still keeps prep simple.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to soak up the sauce, so storing it with a splash of extra broth or cream helps keep it luscious upon reheating.

Freezing

This Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe can be frozen, although the texture of the pasta might soften slightly. To freeze, let it cool completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and use within 1 month for best flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to rejuvenate the sauce’s creaminess. Microwaving works too—just cover and heat in short intervals while stirring to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While shellbow pasta is great for holding the sauce, rigatoni, penne, or fusilli will work beautifully too. Just adjust cooking times as needed according to package directions.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

With a simple swap of vegetable broth for chicken broth and a vegetarian bouillon cube, this Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe can easily be vegetarian-friendly without compromising taste at all.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a non-dairy milk with some added thickener instead of half and half. Nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan will help keep the cheesy umami flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild by default to highlight buttery richness and herbs, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper if you want a little heat kick.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stirring frequently during cooking, especially scraping the bottom of the pot, is key. This keeps the pasta separate and ensures that it cooks evenly in the flavorful sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe is a shining example of how simplicity can create magic in your kitchen. It feels like a special occasion every time but comes together with ease that any busy cook will appreciate. Dive in and savor this creamy, garlicky comfort—you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again, trust me!

Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) Recipe