If you’re craving the ultimate quick, comforting dinner, this Garlic Butter Pasta is about to become your new weeknight hero. With rich garlic-infused butter, a splash of cream, and plenty of Parmesan, every bite is decadently silky, cheesy, and utterly irresistible! This pasta puts flavor front and center, but comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for cozy evenings or last-minute guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dreamy Creaminess: The combination of butter and half & half transforms simple pasta into a velvety, restaurant-worthy dish.
- Unforgettable Garlic Flavor: Fresh garlic blooms in melted butter for irresistible aroma and taste in every forkful.
- Satisfyingly Simple: Minimal prep and accessible pantry ingredients mean you can have Garlic Butter Pasta on the table in half an hour.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: This pasta can be dressed up or down for just about any occasion, and it’s always a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t you just love a recipe that lets a handful of simple ingredients truly shine? Every item in this Garlic Butter Pasta is chosen for the way it builds flavor, creaminess, or just that perfect golden color, so try to use the freshest you can find!
- Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): The heart of the sauce—use a good-quality butter for deep, rich flavor. Unsalted gives you more control over seasoning.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star of the show—fresh garlic brings bold, aromatic punch you just can’t get from the jarred kind.
- Mixed Dried Herbs & Seasonings (see below): Basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, mustard powder, onion powder, and a touch of pepper for well-rounded savoriness and a hint of herbaceous lift.
- Chicken Broth (2 ¾ cups): Adds depth and richness to the sauce as it simmers with the pasta. Substitute with veggie broth for a vegetarian twist!
- Half & Half (¾ cup): Gives the finished pasta a silkiness you’ll crave. Whole milk or light cream work as well in a pinch.
- Soy Sauce (1 teaspoon): Just a splash for a pop of umami that makes all the other flavors sing, not taste overtly “soy”.
- Chicken Bouillon Cube (½ cube): Intensifies the background flavor—crumble it up, and it melts right in.
- Parmesan Cheese (¾ cup, freshly grated): Nutty, salty, and melt-in-your-mouth—freshly grated really is worth it here!
- Fresh Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens the whole dish; don’t skip it, as it cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Shellbow Pasta (½ lb.): These fun, twisty noodles have perfect nooks to catch the sauce, but any short pasta works.
Variations
This Garlic Butter Pasta is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to play with flavors, add-ins, and even pasta shapes! There are plenty of ways to make this dish fit your mood, pantry, and dietary needs.
- Add Protein: Toss in sautéed shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or pan-seared tofu to make it a heartier main dish.
- Go Veggie: Stir in wilted spinach, roasted bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for pops of color and freshness.
- Make It Vegetarian: Simply swap the chicken broth and bouillon for their veggie counterparts—just as rich and delicious!
- Try Different Pasta Shapes: From penne to farfalle, any short pasta with nooks for that luscious sauce will work perfectly.
How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by measuring out all your ingredients and mincing the garlic—this recipe moves fast once you get going! Combine all the dried seasonings in a small bowl and keep them handy. Trust me, having everything ready at arm’s reach makes the cooking process fun and stress-free.
Step 2: Infuse the Butter with Garlic & Herbs
In a large soup pot or deep sauté pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add your freshly minced garlic and the seasoning blend. Stir constantly as the butter foams and the spices bloom—you’ll smell that divine garlicky-herb aroma!
Step 3: Build the Sauce & Cook the Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and drop in the bouillon cube. Give it a good stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the shellbow pasta, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook it uncovered until the pasta is al dente. Be sure to sweep the bottom of the pot with a spatula as it cooks, so nothing sticks and every noodle gets cozy in the sauce.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese, Lemon, and Buttery Love
Lower the heat and gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan, stirring to melt it smoothly into the sauce. Remove from heat, then stir in the fresh lemon juice—it wakes up all the flavors. Finish with the last tablespoon of butter right on top, cover the pot for a minute, then gently stir one final time. Your Garlic Butter Pasta is now extra-glossy and ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Pasta
- Garlic Goldilocks: Sauté the garlic just until fragrant—if it starts to brown, turn down the heat, as overcooked garlic can taste bitter instead of buttery-sweet.
- Parmesan Power: Always grate Parmesan fresh from the block for ultra-smooth melting—you’ll avoid graininess and get a richer flavor.
- Saucy Consistency: If the sauce thickens more than you’d like as the pasta finishes, just splash in a bit more broth or cream before serving to loosen it up perfectly.
- Pasta Perfection: Taste the pasta a minute before package time and aim for al dente—the pasta will keep cooking slightly from the residual heat after stirring in the sauce.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Pasta
Garnishes
Shower your Garlic Butter Pasta with a flurry of extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, and maybe a crack of black pepper. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving makes this dish look and taste like something straight from your favorite trattoria.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, or serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini. Garlic bread or warm focaccia are always welcome partners for sopping up every last bit of sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, twirl small nests of pasta onto plates and top with a glam garnish—think lemon zest curls or microgreens. Or serve Garlic Butter Pasta family-style in a big, shallow bowl right at the table for a cozy, shareable feast. Little ramekins make adorable side dishes at brunch or lunch, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though it’s at its very best on day one when the sauce is silky!
Freezing
Although Garlic Butter Pasta is richest served fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Spoon cooled pasta and sauce into freezer-safe containers (leave a little room for expansion). Freeze for up to one month; the sauce may separate a bit but will come back together with gentle reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream, broth, or even milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently and serve as soon as it’s warmed through—reheating in the microwave is quick, but add a drizzle of liquid and stir halfway through for even texture.
FAQs
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Can I make Garlic Butter Pasta vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth and bouillon with vegetable broth and a veggie bouillon cube. You’ll get the same rich, savory base with zero meat products involved.
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What pasta shapes work best for Garlic Butter Pasta?
Shellbow pasta is wonderful for catching all that luscious sauce, but any short pasta—like penne, rotini, farfalle, or even traditional shells—will also work beautifully. Choose your favorite or use whatever you have in the pantry!
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce in advance and store it separately from the cooked pasta. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the pasta fresh, and mix them together for best texture. If you do mix and store together, just reheat gently and add a splash of cream or broth to bring back the silkiness.
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Is Garlic Butter Pasta spicy?
Nope! As written, it’s truly all about the garlic and buttery Parmesan. However, if you like a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the herbs, or serve with chili oil on the side for spice lovers.
Final Thoughts
If you adore simple comfort food that feels anything but basic, you need to make this Garlic Butter Pasta soon! It’s rustic, rich, and just a little bit luxurious—the kind of meal that invites second helpings and happy sighs all around the table. Enjoy every garlicky, buttery forkful!
Print
Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Garlic Butter Pasta recipe is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that is quick and easy to make. The combination of garlic, herbs, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of lemon creates a flavorful and comforting meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Seasonings
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 3/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Sauce/Pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 chicken bouillon cube
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 lb. Shellbow pasta (see notes)
Instructions
- Combine the seasonings: Mix together the dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder, thyme, onion powder, and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the garlic and seasonings: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add garlic and the mixed seasonings. Stir until the butter foams.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and bouillon cube. Bring to a boil, then add pasta. Cook uncovered per package instructions, stirring occasionally.
- Finish the sauce: Reduce heat, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Remove from heat, add lemon juice, and remaining butter. Stir until butter melts.
- Serve: Cover the pot briefly to let flavors meld, then gently stir and serve hot.
Notes
- Shellbow pasta is recommended for this recipe, but you can use any short pasta shape.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
