One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta (Ultra Creamy, Easy & Irresistible)

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When comfort food cravings strike but you don’t want to deal with a sink full of dishes, One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta is the answer. This cozy, creamy pasta comes together in a single pot using simple pantry staples, delivering rich garlic-butter flavor with minimal effort and maximum reward.

One-pot pasta recipes have revolutionized home cooking, and for good reason. Cooking pasta directly in the sauce allows the noodles to absorb every drop of flavor, resulting in a silkier, more cohesive dish than traditional boil-and-drain methods. In this garlic butter version, starch from the pasta naturally thickens the sauce, creating a luxurious texture without complicated steps.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you want a satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s comforting, customizable, and endlessly crave-worthy.

Why One Pot Pasta Works So Well

Traditional pasta cooking separates boiling, draining, and saucing into multiple steps. One pot garlic butter pasta simplifies the process while improving flavor. As the pasta cooks in broth and butter, it releases starch that emulsifies with the fat, forming a naturally creamy sauce.

Benefits of one-pot pasta:

  • Fewer dishes
  • Faster cooking time
  • Deeper flavor infusion
  • Creamy texture without heavy sauces

Garlic butter is a classic flavor pairing that feels indulgent but familiar. When combined with parmesan and a splash of cream, it transforms humble ingredients into something restaurant-worthy.

Ingredients for One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta

This recipe relies on simple ingredients that work together beautifully.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz dry pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, not browned.
  3. Pour in broth and cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Add dry pasta, pressing it down so it’s mostly submerged.
  5. Simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
  6. Reduce heat and stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta

Creamy one pot pasta cooked directly in garlic butter sauce for an easy, comforting meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz dry pasta spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot or deep skillet
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Pour in broth and cream and bring to a simmer.
  4. Add dry pasta and cook, stirring often, until tender.
  5. Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth.
  6. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

Notes

Add protein or vegetables to customize this dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Pasta

  • Stir often to prevent sticking
  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor
  • Don’t overcook — pasta thickens more as it rests
  • Add broth gradually if sauce thickens too fast

Delicious Variations

  • Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – stir in cooked shrimp at the end
  • Chicken Garlic Butter Pasta – add rotisserie chicken
  • Spinach Garlic Butter Pasta – fold in fresh spinach
  • Spicy Garlic Butter Pasta – add red pepper flakes

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Pasta

This pasta pairs beautifully with:

  • Simple green salad
  • Garlic bread
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Grilled chicken or fish

It can shine as a main dish or serve as a rich, buttery side.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream
  • Best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture

Why This Recipe Is a Keeper

One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta delivers everything you want in a comfort meal: rich flavor, creamy texture, and ease. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or fancy ingredients to create something deeply satisfying.

Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation

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