One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Simple and Tasty Meal

by Victoria on March 7, 2025

Looking for an easy weeknight dinner? One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is your answer! This simple dish brings rich flavors together with just a few ingredients. You can have it on the table in no time, and the best part? There’s only one pan to clean! Let’s dive into the ingredients and the steps to create this tasty meal that will please everyone at your table.

$To make One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta, you'll need: - 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For this dish, you will need: - A large skillet or frying pan - A measuring cup for liquids - A cutting board and knife for garlic - A spoon for stirring - A serving bowl for the pasta To make your pasta even better, consider these toppings: - Extra Parmesan cheese - A drizzle of olive oil - Crushed red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh basil or chives for color {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by taking a large skillet or pan. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Watch for it to simmer gently. This step sets the base for our dish. Next, you’ll want to add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Also, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir this mixture well. Cook for about 1-2 minutes. You’ll notice the garlic smell filling the air. This adds great flavor to your pasta. Now, it’s time to add the pasta. Use 12 oz of fettuccine or spaghetti. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the broth. Cook according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will soak up that yummy broth. Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat. Gradually stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese melts into the sauce, making it creamy. Keep stirring until it’s all melted. This step is key for that rich flavor. Now, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all together. Let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken. When you're ready to serve, scoop it into shallow bowls. For a nice touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get the best flavor, start with fresh ingredients. Use high-quality Parmesan cheese. Grate it yourself for a rich taste. You can add a touch of lemon juice for brightness. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Fresh herbs, like parsley, also enhance the flavor. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth. This will keep it creamy. If it's too thin, let it cook longer. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Stir in more Parmesan for a richer texture. Always check the sauce before serving. To save time, chop your garlic and herbs ahead of time. Use pre-grated Parmesan cheese if you’re in a rush. You can also cook the pasta while the sauce simmers. Keep your pan size large to avoid crowding. This helps everything cook evenly and fast. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking together and to ensure even cooking. Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor; freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the creaminess of the sauce. Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices, such as crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or fresh basil for added flavor. Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta for extra flavor. Cooked chicken or shrimp works well. For chicken, use cooked, shredded pieces. Toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. For shrimp, add peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan. Cook until they turn pink and curl up. This addition makes the meal heartier and more filling. To make this dish vegetarian, skip any meat. You can add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them with the garlic for extra taste. This gives you a colorful, healthy plate. It keeps the dish satisfying while sticking to vegetarian choices. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a richer flavor. You can switch ingredients based on what you have at home. If you don’t have fettuccine, use any pasta you like. Bowtie or penne works great too. If you lack heavy cream, try using milk or a non-dairy option like coconut cream. You can replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy. These swaps keep the dish flexible and fun. To store your One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta, let it cool down first. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to eat it again, take the pasta out of the fridge. Heat it gently in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to help loosen it up. Stir it well until it's hot. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat for one to two minutes. To freeze the pasta, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for the pasta to expand. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as noted above for the best taste. Yes, you can use other pasta types. Short pasta like penne or fusilli works well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape. Always check the package for exact cooking times. To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. You can also use dairy-free butter or olive oil for richness. You can pair this pasta with fresh salad or garlic bread. A side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans adds color and nutrition. Grilled chicken or shrimp can make it a heartier meal. Pasta is al dente when it feels firm but not hard. You can taste a piece to check. It should have a slight bite to it. Cooking times vary, so start checking a minute or two before the package says. This blog post covered making One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta step-by-step. You learned about essential ingredients, cooking tools, and tasty optional garnishes. We explored tips for great flavor and easy meal prep. You also found out how to adjust the dish for dietary needs and store leftovers. Cooking can be simple and fun. With this guide, you can create a delicious meal that suits your taste. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and happy cooking!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe allows you to whip up a delicious pasta dish in just one pan, saving time on both cooking and cleanup.
Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of butter, cream, and Parmesan creates a rich and indulgent sauce that elevates the simple pasta to gourmet status.
Customizable: You can easily add your favorite vegetables or proteins to this dish, making it versatile for any meal.
Impressive Presentation: With a sprinkle of parsley and extra Parmesan, this dish looks as good as it tastes, perfect for entertaining guests.

Ingredients

List of ingredients

To make One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta, you’ll need:

– 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

– 4 cups vegetable broth

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter

– 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking equipment needed

For this dish, you will need:

– A large skillet or frying pan

– A measuring cup for liquids

– A cutting board and knife for garlic

– A spoon for stirring

– A serving bowl for the pasta

Optional garnishes

To make your pasta even better, consider these toppings:

– Extra Parmesan cheese

– A drizzle of olive oil

– Crushed red pepper flakes for heat

– Fresh basil or chives for color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine broth, cream, and butter

Start by taking a large skillet or pan. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Watch for it to simmer gently. This step sets the base for our dish.

Sauté garlic and seasonings

Next, you’ll want to add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Also, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir this mixture well. Cook for about 1-2 minutes. You’ll notice the garlic smell filling the air. This adds great flavor to your pasta.

Add and cook pasta

Now, it’s time to add the pasta. Use 12 oz of fettuccine or spaghetti. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the broth. Cook according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will soak up that yummy broth.

Incorporate Parmesan cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat. Gradually stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese melts into the sauce, making it creamy. Keep stirring until it’s all melted. This step is key for that rich flavor.

Final seasoning and serving

Now, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all together. Let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken. When you’re ready to serve, scoop it into shallow bowls. For a nice touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips & Tricks

How to achieve the best flavor

To get the best flavor, start with fresh ingredients. Use high-quality Parmesan cheese. Grate it yourself for a rich taste. You can add a touch of lemon juice for brightness. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Fresh herbs, like parsley, also enhance the flavor.

Adjusting consistency of the sauce

If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth. This will keep it creamy. If it’s too thin, let it cook longer. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Stir in more Parmesan for a richer texture. Always check the sauce before serving.

Time-saving tips for a quick meal

To save time, chop your garlic and herbs ahead of time. Use pre-grated Parmesan cheese if you’re in a rush. You can also cook the pasta while the sauce simmers. Keep your pan size large to avoid crowding. This helps everything cook evenly and fast.

Pro Tips

Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking together and to ensure even cooking.
Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor; freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices, such as crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or fresh basil for added flavor.
Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Variations

Adding protein options (chicken, shrimp)

You can add protein to your One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta for extra flavor. Cooked chicken or shrimp works well. For chicken, use cooked, shredded pieces. Toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. For shrimp, add peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan. Cook until they turn pink and curl up. This addition makes the meal heartier and more filling.

Vegetarian adaptations

To make this dish vegetarian, skip any meat. You can add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them with the garlic for extra taste. This gives you a colorful, healthy plate. It keeps the dish satisfying while sticking to vegetarian choices. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a richer flavor.

Ingredient substitutions

You can switch ingredients based on what you have at home. If you don’t have fettuccine, use any pasta you like. Bowtie or penne works great too. If you lack heavy cream, try using milk or a non-dairy option like coconut cream. You can replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy. These swaps keep the dish flexible and fun.

Storage Info

How to store leftovers

To store your One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta, let it cool down first. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.

Reheating instructions

When you’re ready to eat it again, take the pasta out of the fridge. Heat it gently in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to help loosen it up. Stir it well until it’s hot. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat for one to two minutes.

Freezing guidelines

To freeze the pasta, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for the pasta to expand. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as noted above for the best taste.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta types. Short pasta like penne or fusilli works well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape. Always check the package for exact cooking times.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. You can also use dairy-free butter or olive oil for richness.

What to serve with One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta?

You can pair this pasta with fresh salad or garlic bread. A side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans adds color and nutrition. Grilled chicken or shrimp can make it a heartier meal.

How do I know when the pasta is al dente?

Pasta is al dente when it feels firm but not hard. You can taste a piece to check. It should have a slight bite to it. Cooking times vary, so start checking a minute or two before the package says.

This blog post covered making One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta step-by-step. You learned about essential ingredients, cooking tools, and tasty optional garnishes. We explored tips for great flavor and easy meal prep. You also found out how to adjust the dish for dietary needs and store leftovers.

Cooking can be simple and fun. With this guide, you can create a delicious meal that suits your taste. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and happy cookin

One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish made with butter, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, all cooked in one pan.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 2 unsalted butter
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large skillet or pan, combine the vegetable broth, heavy cream, and butter. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring well. Allow it to cook for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
Add the pasta to the skillet, ensuring it is submerged in the broth mixture.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions (generally around 10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Once cooked, lower the heat and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring thoroughly to combine.
Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil on top for an elegant touch.

Keyword butter, easy, one-pan, parmesan, pasta