This one-pot Garlic Butter Pasta is yummy and quick to make! Pasta shells are cooked directly in a creamy garlic butter sauce made with half and half and chicken broth. Everything is done in one pot and is ready in 20 minutes!
Looking for more easy pasta recipes? Try my Broccoli Pasta or Creamy Garlic Pasta next!
About This Recipe
This garlic butter pasta is a recipe that every home cook should have in their back pocket. It's quick to make, easy, and extremely delicious. It's perfect for a laid-back weeknight dinner or even a date night meal, though you might want to have some breath mint handy, since your breath is going to be a bit garlicky!
This recipe comes together in one pot. Start by sauteeing your garlic in some butter, then add pasta, half and half, and chicken broth. Let it simmer until the sauce is absorbed and the pasta is rich and creamy. Finish it off with grated parmesan and freshly chopped parsley, and voila, you have a delicious dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Key Ingredients
Butter: I use unsalted butter so the sauce doesn't become too salty. If you are using salted butter, just make sure to taste the sauce before adding any additional salt, because saltiness is coming from multiple sources in this recipe (butter, Parmesan, and chicken broth).
Garlic: Of course! Freshly minced is the best, but jarred garlic is fine too.
Chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth if possible so we can control the salt levels ourselves.
Half and half: I like using half and half because it has the perfect balance of creamy and milky. Though you can use heavy cream if you like.
Pasta: I like pasta shells because they fill up nicely with the sauce, but really any pasta shape will work.
Parmesan cheese: Grab a wedge and grate it yourself for the creamiest texture. Packaged shredded cheese has anti-clumping agents added, which prevent it from melting as nicely.
Lemon juice: To make the entire dish pop!
Parsley: Adds grassy notes and freshness to the dish.
Salt and pepper: Add to your own taste. Salt may not even be required depending on how salty your butter, chicken broth, and parmesan are.
Instructions
STEP 1: In a medium pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute for about 30 seconds.
STEP 2: Add the chicken broth and half and half. Bring to a boil, then add the pasta shells.
STEP 3: Keep the sauce at a gentle boil and cook uncovered according to the package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Note: If at the end, there is still a lot of liquid in the pot, increase the heat and cook for a few extra minutes. You want there to be some sauce, but not too much, otherwise the dish will be runny. Once you add the parmesan cheese, the sauce will thicken a bit, so keep that in mind.
STEP 4: When the pasta is done, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the remaining butter, parmesan, parsley, and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Garlic Butter Pasta
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 8 ounces dried pasta shells
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a medium pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute for about 30 seconds.
- Add the chicken broth and half and half. Bring to a boil, then add the pasta shells. Keep it at a gentle boil and cook uncovered according to the package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- When the pasta is done, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the remaining butter, parmesan, parsley, and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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