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To make One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta, you will need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s the list: - 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or fettuccine - 4 cups vegetable broth - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness) Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor. The pasta absorbs the broth and cream, creating a rich taste. The butter adds a smooth texture, while garlic and onion powder bring warmth and depth. Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, balancing the dish. Fresh parsley and lemon zest brighten everything up, making it feel vibrant. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. You'll find it easier to follow the steps and create a delightful meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take a large, deep skillet or pan. Place it over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt completely. Once melted, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. This step adds a nice aroma to the dish. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the broth to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add 12 ounces of spaghetti or fettuccine. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente and most broth is absorbed. After the pasta cooks, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Then, add 1 teaspoon of onion powder and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step thickens the sauce slightly and enhances the flavor. Remove the pan from heat. Mix in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a pop of flavor, sprinkle some lemon zest. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious one-pan butter Parmesan pasta! To get pasta just right, timing is key. Start by cooking the spaghetti or fettuccine in the vegetable broth. Keep an eye on the clock, and stir it often. Check for doneness at around 10 minutes. The pasta should be firm but not hard. If you bite it, it should have a slight chew. This is called al dente. Remember, it will cook a bit more after you remove it from heat. You can boost the taste with a few extras. Adding lemon zest gives a fresh kick. Just grate the outer peel of the lemon. It brightens the dish. You might also add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein. Mixing in sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes adds color and nutrients. Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes for heat. Make it just how you like! Some common errors can spoil your dish. First, don’t overcook the pasta. It can turn mushy. Also, avoid adding all the salt at once. Taste as you go. If you add too much early, you can’t take it back. Lastly, be careful not to skip the cream. It makes the sauce rich and creamy. Follow these tips for a delicious meal! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and high-quality butter will enhance the flavor of your pasta dish significantly. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with milk to make the dish less rich. Add Vegetables: Consider adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli to the dish for extra nutrition and color. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking together and ensure even cooking. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta. Some great choices are chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. Simply cook the protein in the same pan as the butter. - For chicken: Dice it into small pieces and sauté until golden brown. - For shrimp: Add them just after the garlic, cooking until they turn pink. - For tofu: Use firm tofu, diced, and sauté until crispy. This makes the dish more filling and flavorful. Veggies can brighten your dish and add nutrition. I love adding spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. - Spinach: Toss it in just before serving. - Broccoli: Steam it separately and mix it in at the end. - Bell peppers: Sauté with garlic for extra flavor. These options create a colorful and healthy meal. If you need a gluten-free option, swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great choices that cook well. You can also use zucchini noodles for a low-carb version. - Zucchini noodles: Make sure to sauté them quickly to avoid sogginess. - Gluten-free pasta: Follow package instructions for cooking times. These alternatives keep the dish delicious and friendly for different diets. Store any leftover One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps keep the pasta fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date. This way, you will know when to eat it. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is easy. Place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to help it not dry out. Stir it often until it is warm. This should take about five to seven minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Transfer the cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can stay in the freezer for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned earlier for the best taste. It takes about 25 minutes to make One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 15 minutes cooking. This quick dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta all work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape. One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You can serve this pasta with a simple salad or garlic bread. A light green salad adds freshness. Garlic bread makes it a comforting meal. Enjoy! In this blog post, we explored how to make One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta. You learned about the simple ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips for success. We even discussed how to add protein or veggies for variety. Remember to store any leftovers properly for later use. This dish is quick and full of flavor. Now, you can enjoy a tasty meal that’s easy to share. Try it out and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!

One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish made in one pan with butter, Parmesan, and garlic.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

Instructions
 

  • In a large, deep skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Stir in the vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
  • Once boiling, add the spaghetti or fettuccine to the pan. Ensure the pasta is submerged in the broth.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente and most of the broth has been absorbed.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
  • Remove the pan from heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle the lemon zest for added brightness and flavor.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve in a large bowl or plate, topping each serving with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few parsley leaves for color. A light drizzle of olive oil can also add a nice shimmer!
Keyword creamy, easy, one-pan, pasta, vegetarian