One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

$- 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning To make this dish, you need a few key items. First, choose between fettuccine or spaghetti. I love how fettuccine holds the sauce well, but spaghetti works just as nicely. Next, unsalted butter adds rich flavor. It melts down to create a luscious base for the sauce. Garlic is a must for that wonderful aroma and taste. You will need four cloves, minced finely. For the liquid, we use vegetable broth. This keeps the dish light and adds depth. Heavy cream gives the sauce its creamy texture. Don’t skip the freshly grated Parmesan cheese; it’s essential for flavor. Lastly, season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. These small touches elevate the dish. - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Extra grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) - Crusty bread For a bit of color and freshness, add some chopped parsley on top before serving. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese will delight cheese lovers. Serve with crusty bread on the side. You can use it to soak up the sauce. Trust me; it adds a great touch! {{ingredient_image_2}} Preparing Garlic and Other Ingredients Start by finely mincing the garlic. Use a sharp knife for quick cuts. Gather all your ingredients. You will need fettuccine or spaghetti, butter, garlic, vegetable broth, cream, and cheese. Prepare a clean space on your counter for easy access while cooking. Melting Butter in the Skillet In a large skillet, add the butter. Set the heat to medium. Wait until the butter melts and starts to foam. This takes just a minute or two. Make sure to watch closely so it does not burn. Incorporating Broth and Pasta Once the butter is ready, pour in the vegetable broth. Stir it well to mix. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. When it bubbles, add the fettuccine or spaghetti. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth. Adding Cream and Cheese After the pasta cooks for 8-10 minutes, it will soften. Stir in the heavy cream next. Follow with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add in the Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until the sauce is creamy. Achieving the Right Consistency Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the pasta absorb more sauce. Keep stirring during this time to avoid sticking. The sauce will thicken, giving a rich texture. Adjusting Seasoning Taste your pasta to check the flavor. You may want to add more salt or pepper. Adjust according to your preference. This step ensures each bite is delicious. Garnishing Before Serving Remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit for one minute to thicken a bit more. Serve the pasta warm. Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. This adds color and makes it look fancy. To get the perfect texture, you want your pasta to be al dente. Al dente means the pasta is firm when you bite into it. This gives your dish the right bite. To achieve this, cook your pasta just until it's tender but has a slight firmness. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. Avoid overcooked pasta by keeping an eye on the clock. If you cook it too long, the pasta becomes mushy. This can ruin your dish. Remember to taste the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. Once it's done, you want to drain any extra liquid quickly to keep the texture just right. To boost the flavor, consider adding extra seasonings. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. If you love herbs, try fresh basil or thyme. They add great taste without overpowering the dish. Choosing quality ingredients is key for the best flavor. Use fresh garlic instead of powdered. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must. It melts better and tastes richer than pre-grated cheese. Always use real unsalted butter for that creamy richness. For cooking pasta, a large skillet or deep pan works best. A wide pan helps the pasta cook evenly. It also allows for easy stirring. Make sure it has a good non-stick surface to help with easy cleanup. You’ll need a sturdy spatula or tongs to toss the pasta. Tongs help grab the noodles and coat them in sauce well. A measuring cup for the broth and cream is also handy. These tools make the cooking process smooth and simple. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and real Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in your pasta dish. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Aim for al dente pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce, ensuring the perfect texture. Adjust Thickness: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash more vegetable broth or cream until you reach the desired consistency. Experiment with Seasoning: Don't hesitate to add other herbs and spices such as red pepper flakes or basil to customize the flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta. Here are two great options: - Adding Grilled Chicken or Shrimp Grilled chicken or shrimp makes the dish more filling. Cook the protein separately and toss it in at the end. This way, you keep the flavor and texture. - Incorporating Vegetables Fresh vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers add color and nutrition. Sauté the veggies in the butter before adding the broth. This infuses the pasta with extra flavor. Switching up the cheese changes the entire taste of your dish. Here are some fun choices: - Using Pecorino Romano or Asiago These cheeses offer a sharp and salty flavor. Grate them finely and mix them in with the heavy cream for a rich taste. - Trying Vegan Cheese Alternatives If you want a vegan option, look for creamy vegan cheeses. They melt nicely and give you a similar flavor. Look for brands that have good reviews for taste and texture. You can create different flavor profiles by adding herbs and sauces. Here’s how to make your pasta unique: - Experimenting with Herbs Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano can brighten up the dish. Add them right after you mix in the cheese for the best flavor. - Mixing in Different Sauces For a twist, try adding a splash of pesto or a dollop of marinara. These can add a nice depth and change the whole vibe of your pasta. Just stir them in after the cheese. How do you store leftovers? After enjoying your One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta, let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. This keeps the pasta fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. What are the best practices for keeping pasta fresh? Always cool the pasta before storing. This prevents extra moisture. Use a shallow container for better cooling. If you plan to eat it later, avoid mixing in cheese or cream. This helps keep the texture nice. What are the tips for reheating without losing creaminess? When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream. This keeps the sauce smooth and creamy. Stir gently over low heat. This helps the pasta warm up evenly. Should I use the microwave or stovetop for reheating? The stovetop is best for even heating. The microwave can work too, but it may dry out the pasta. If you use the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to avoid hot spots. How do you freeze One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta? First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Seal the container tightly to avoid freezer burn. What are the steps for thawing and reheating frozen pasta? To thaw, move the pasta to the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth or cream. Stir until heated through. This keeps it creamy and delicious. One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta can last up to three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or microwave. Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta! Choose your favorite brand. Just follow the cooking time on the package. Gluten-free pasta may cook faster or slower, so keep an eye on it. If you don't have heavy cream, you can use whole milk or half-and-half. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. The sauce may be less thick, but it will still taste great. Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, use vegan butter and a plant-based cream. You can also swap out the Parmesan for a vegan cheese. This way, you keep the creamy taste while making it plant-based. Yes, you can easily double the recipe! Just make sure your pan is big enough. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Stir well to ensure every noodle gets that delicious sauce. One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is simple and delightful. You need a few key ingredients like pasta, butter, garlic, and cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions to ensure perfect pasta every time. You can enhance flavors with tips and try different variations, like adding protein or unique cheeses. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best taste later. With these insights, you can enjoy a delicious meal today. Happy cooking!$

One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped
for serving Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large skillet or a wide, deep pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it is completely melted and begins to foam.
Add the finely minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for approximately 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be cautious not to let the garlic burn, as it can impart a bitter flavor.
Carefully pour the vegetable broth into the skillet, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once the broth is boiling, add the fettuccine or spaghetti to the pan. Reduce the heat to a simmer, ensuring that the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
Cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it reaches an al dente texture and has absorbed most of the broth.
Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the sauce becomes creamy.
Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb more sauce and become well coated. The sauce will thicken slightly during this time.
Taste the pasta one last time and adjust the seasoning if necessary—adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.
Once the pasta has reached your desired creaminess, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for about one minute to thicken further before serving.
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and elegance.

Notes

For an attractive presentation, twirl the pasta into nests in the center of each plate, then sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan. Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping!

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