Name: One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta: 25-Minute Dinner Savior
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound pasta; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped

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Oh, pasta. Is there anything more comforting? I swear, a bowl of perfectly cooked pasta can fix just about anything! And let’s be real, weeknights are BUSY. That’s why I’m SO excited to share this One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta recipe with you. It’s seriously a lifesaver!

This isn’t just *any* pasta dish, though. Imagine perfectly al dente pasta, coated in a rich, buttery, garlicky sauce, and then blanketed with salty Parmesan cheese. Mmm! The best part? Everything cooks together in ONE PAN. Yep, you heard that right. Less dishes, more flavor. I used to make a complicated version of this that needed a million pots, but trust me, this one-pan version is where it’s at. It’s seriously the easiest way to get a delicious, satisfying dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Sometimes, simple is just better, right?

Why You'll Love This One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

Okay, so why should you even bother making this One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta? Let me tell you, it's a game-changer! Here’s the lowdown:

Super quick and easy – perfect for those crazy weeknights.
Cleanup is a breeze – just ONE pan! Hallelujah!
Seriously comforting and packed with flavor – cheesy, buttery goodness.
Totally customizable – add whatever veggies or protein you’re craving.

Reasons to Make One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Tonight

Still not convinced? Let me break it down even further. This isn’t just pasta; it’s a solution to your dinner dilemmas!

Quick and Easy Dinner

Seriously, this recipe is FAST. From start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 25 minutes, tops! That means you can spend less time cooking and more time doing, well, whatever you want! I swear, it’s quicker than ordering takeout!

Minimal Cleanup

My absolute *least* favorite part of cooking is the mountain of dishes afterward. But guess what? This recipe only uses ONE PAN. That’s it! Less scrubbing, more relaxing. It’s a win-win!

Comforting and Flavorful

There’s just something about butter and Parmesan, isn’t there? This pasta is rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. My kids go absolutely crazy for it!

Customizable

Don’t be afraid to get creative! This recipe is a blank canvas. Toss in some broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or even grilled chicken. Whatever you’re in the mood for, it’ll work! I love throwing in some frozen peas near the end – adds a pop of color and flavor!

One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this ridiculously easy One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta:

1 pound pasta (any type works!)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (the *real* stuff, please!)
4 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you’re a garlic fiend like me!)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (keeps it from being too salty!)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (because, why not?)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
Optional: 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for a little pop of freshness!)

How to Make One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

Okay, ready to get cooking? This is where the magic happens! Seriously, this One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is so simple, it’s almost embarrassing. But trust me, the results are anything but!

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal on the table in no time! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it.

Combine Ingredients

Alright, grab your biggest pan (a large skillet or Dutch oven works great!). Dump in the pasta, plop in the butter, toss in the minced garlic, and pour in the chicken broth. That’s it! Easy peasy! Make sure the pasta is mostly covered by the broth. If not, add a splash more. You want everything swimming together happily.

Cook the Pasta

Now, crank up the heat to high and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. But here’s the thing: you gotta stir it occasionally! This is super important to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and burning. You’ll know it’s done when the pasta is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed. It should be creamy, not soupy! Don’t worry if there’s a little liquid left, it’ll thicken up when you add the cheese.

Add Parmesan and Season

Take the pan off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Now, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed! Sometimes, I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Ooh, that’s good!

Garnish and Serve

If you’re feeling fancy (or just want to add a pop of color), sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top. And that’s it! Serve immediately and enjoy every single, delicious bite. I like to add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top, because, well, cheese! Enjoy!

Tips for the Best One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

Want to take your One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta to the next level? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way:

Whatever you do, don’t overcook the pasta! Mushy pasta is a big no-no. Aim for al dente – slightly firm to the bite.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a MUST. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt as nicely and the flavor isn’t the same. Trust me on this one!
Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning! Taste as you go and add more salt, pepper, or even garlic powder to your liking. Everyones taste is different, so make it yours!

One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Variations

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta. Now what? Time to get creative! The best thing about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Seriously, the possibilities are endless! Wanna spice things up? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of garlic powder. Feeling veggie-ful? Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms are all amazing additions. My personal fave? Sautéed mushrooms with a little thyme. Ooh la la! And if you’re craving some protein, grilled chicken or shrimp would be fantastic! Don’t be shy, experiment and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta ready to go! But what should you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner. Or, if you’re feeling a little extra, some garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce? Yes, please! Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus are also a great option. Honestly, this pasta is so good, it’s amazing on its own. But a little something on the side never hurts, right?

Frequently Asked Questions About One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

Got questions about this One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe:

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Any type of pasta will work in this recipe. I’ve used everything from spaghetti to penne to rotini. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta you use. So, just keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time as needed. Easy peasy!

Can I add vegetables to One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta?

Heck yeah! Adding veggies is a great way to boost the nutritional value (and flavor!) of this dish. Broccoli, spinach, and mushrooms are all fantastic additions. Just toss them in with the pasta and broth, and they’ll cook right along with everything else. So simple!

Can I use water instead of chicken broth?

You *can* use water if you’re in a pinch, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Chicken broth adds so much flavor to the pasta! If you use water, the pasta will be a lot less rich and flavorful. But hey, if that’s all you’ve got, go for it! Just maybe add a little extra salt and garlic powder to compensate.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Sticking is the enemy of all one-pan pasta dishes! The key is to stir it occasionally during cooking. This helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the pasta from clumping together and sticking to the bottom of the pan. So, don’t be lazy! Give it a good stir every few minutes. You’ll thank me later!

Can I make One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta ahead of time?

Unfortunately, this One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is best served immediately. If you make it ahead of time, the pasta will absorb all the sauce and become mushy. Nobody wants mushy pasta! So, make it fresh and enjoy it right away!

Storing and Reheating One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

Okay, so you’ve devoured most of your One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta (good job!), but you’ve got some leftovers. No problem! Just pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll be good for up to 3 days, but let’s be honest, it probably won’t last that long! When you’re ready to reheat, just microwave it or warm it up on the stovetop. I like to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up a bit. Otherwise, it can get kinda dry. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information for One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

Okay, a quick note: Nutritional information can vary *wildly* depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use, so I can’t give you precise numbers. Just keep that in mind!

Make One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Tonight!

Seriously, what are you waiting for? Go make this One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta! And hey, if you love it (and I know you will!), leave a comment and rating below! I wanna hear all about it!