If you are craving a comforting dish that comes together effortlessly but tastes like it took hours, my favorite One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish balances creamy, cheesy richness with buttery silkiness, all harmonized by the gentle garlic undertones, in a single skillet that keeps cleanup a breeze. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something satisfying and homey without fussing over multiple pots and pans. Plus, the versatility of this recipe means you can tweak it to your heart’s content while always ending up with a crowd-pleaser on your hands.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing simple yet essential ingredients is the secret to making this One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe shine. Each component plays a unique role: the pasta provides the perfect base texture, the chicken broth infuses subtle savory depth, and the butter and parmesan bring creamy, cheesy decadence that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups dry ditalini pasta: Small, tubular pasta that cooks evenly and traps the creamy sauce in every bite.
- 2 1/2 – 3 cups chicken broth: Adds rich flavor and moisture, making the pasta tender while cooking directly in the skillet.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Introduces aromatic warmth and a subtle kick that lifts the whole dish.
- 1/3 cup heavy cream: Ensures a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.
- 3-4 tablespoons salted butter: Amplifies richness and creates a silky finish in the sauce.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (plus more for serving): Brings that signature sharp, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every flavor note.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to gently sauté the garlic and add a subtle fruity layer of flavor.
How to Make One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Begin by warming the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet. When it’s hot, add the minced garlic and sauté just until you can smell that wonderful garlicky aroma, about 30 seconds. This quick step releases the garlic’s rich, fragrant oils without browning it, setting the flavor foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Add the Pasta
Next, toss in the dry ditalini pasta right into the skillet with the garlic. Stir it well so the noodles get coated with the garlicky olive oil, helping them absorb flavor as they cook. This step also ensures the pasta doesn’t stick to the pan or clump together.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Season
Pour enough chicken broth into the skillet to completely cover the pasta. This is the trick that cooks the pasta directly in the sauce base, infusing every bite with savory goodness. Season generously with salt and pepper here, since the broth will be the only liquid, and seasoning early helps build layers of flavor.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Turn up the heat to bring the broth to a boil with the pasta submerged. Once boiling, cover your skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 9 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally if needed, until the pasta is tender and has soaked up so much flavor it practically melts in your mouth.
Step 5: Stir in the Heavy Cream
Take the skillet off the heat and add in the heavy cream, stirring for about a minute to create that beautifully smooth texture. The cream enriches the dish, giving it a luxurious feel that coats each pasta piece deliciously without weighing it down.
Step 6: Finish with Butter and Parmesan
Now comes the magic moment: drop in the butter and sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir until the butter melts completely and the cheese blends into a silky, creamy sauce. This final step pulls everything together, making the sauce gloriously rich and cheesy.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Before plating, give your pasta a little taste. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or parmesan if you want it cheesier. A well-balanced seasoning will highlight all the layers you built and make this one-pan wonder absolutely unforgettable.
How to Serve One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this pasta to restaurant quality at home. Freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of bright green color and fresh herbaceous notes that contrast beautifully with the richness. A little extra parmesan grated on top before serving also never goes amiss.
Side Dishes
Because this One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe is rich and creamy, it pairs wonderfully with lighter sides. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables are perfect accompaniments that add texture and vibrancy to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in large shallow bowls with a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch. Alternatively, top it with crispy pancetta or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and depth, making it feel like a completely new dish every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta keeps nicely in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and to prevent the cheese and butter flavors from flattening out. Give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh for optimal creaminess, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will keep well for up to one month. Just remember the texture may change slightly, with the sauce separating a bit upon thawing.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry. This helps bring back the luscious texture while preventing the cheese and butter from becoming grainy or oily.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While ditalini is perfect for holding the sauce, other small shapes like elbow macaroni, mini shells, or even penne work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different pasta shapes and sizes vary.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly. The flavors will remain deliciously rich, especially with the butter and parmesan adding plenty of depth.
Can I add vegetables to the One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe?
You can! Toss in quick-cooking veggies such as spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes in the last few minutes of simmering for added color and nutrition. They complement the creamy sauce perfectly without overwhelming the dish.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can try half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as thick or rich. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream is a possible choice but will impart its own flavor.
Why does the recipe say to cover and simmer?
Covering traps steam and distributes heat evenly, ensuring the pasta cooks through in the broth rather than drying out. It helps the pasta absorb maximum flavor while softening perfectly in the creamy sauce base.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe is truly a testament to how simple ingredients and smart cooking techniques can create something deeply satisfying and memorable. It feels like a comforting hug on a plate, perfect for busy nights or anytime you want a quick, creamy pasta fix. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own, because once you do, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish made with ditalini pasta cooked right in chicken broth, then tossed with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy meal, it combines simplicity and indulgence in just one skillet.
Ingredients
Pasta and Broth
- 1 1/2 cups dry ditalini pasta
- 2 1/2 – 3 cups chicken broth
Flavorings and Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 3–4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This releases the garlic’s aroma without burning it.
- Add Pasta: Add the dry ditalini pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat it with the garlic-infused oil.
- Add Broth and Season: Pour in enough chicken broth to completely cover the pasta and season with salt and pepper. The broth provides both flavor and liquid for cooking the pasta.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and simmer for 9–10 minutes until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the broth.
- Incorporate Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, mixing well for about one minute to add richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- Finish with Butter and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat; add butter and parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and combined into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving. Optionally, sprinkle more parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- Use chicken broth to cook the pasta for extra flavor; vegetable broth can be substituted for a vegetarian version.
- For a richer sauce, add a bit more heavy cream or butter.
- The pasta cooks right in the broth, so stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking.
- This recipe is best enjoyed immediately for the creamiest texture.
- Parmesan cheese can be replaced with Pecorino Romano for a different cheese profile.
