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One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 52 reviews

This One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender ditalini pasta with rich butter, garlic, and parmesan cheese. Cooked all in one skillet with chicken broth, it’s a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. The addition of heavy cream makes the sauce luxuriously creamy, while optional toppings like fresh parsley and red pepper flakes add a fresh and spicy touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups dry ditalini pasta
  • 2 ½ – 3 cups chicken broth
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • 3–4 tbsp salted butter
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  2. Toast the Pasta: Add the dry ditalini pasta to the skillet and stir it with the garlic to ensure each piece is evenly coated with oil and garlic flavor.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Pour in enough chicken broth to just cover the pasta, about 2 ½ to 3 cups. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 9-10 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
  4. Check for Doneness: Remove the lid and stir the pasta. Confirm that the pasta is cooked through and the liquid has mostly absorbed. If there is excess broth, it will continue to absorb as the pasta cools.
  5. Add Cream & Butter: Keep the skillet on low heat and stir in ⅓ cup heavy cream. Mix for about one minute, allowing the cream to warm and integrate with the pasta.
  6. Incorporate Cheese: Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of salted butter and ½ cup parmesan cheese. Stir until the butter and cheese melt fully and create a creamy sauce coating the pasta.
  7. Serve & Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • If you want a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
  • For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen it.
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts best and enhances the flavor more than pre-grated cheese.
  • Use salted butter to balance the seasoning but adjust salt accordingly if using unsalted butter.

Keywords: butter parmesan pasta, one-pan pasta, creamy pasta recipe, easy dinner, garlic pasta, skillet pasta

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/one-pan-butter-parmesan-pasta-recipe/