Who doesn’t love a creamy, buttery, cheesy bowl of pasta? This One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate cofort dish—rich, indulgent, and made in just one pan for easy cleanup. The best part? You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create something truly delicious.
This recipe is inspired by the simplicity of Italian cuisine, where quality ingredients shine without overcomplication. It’s a beautiful blend of al dente pasta, creamy butter, and nutty Parmesan, all coming together to make a dish that feels gourmet but takes minimal effort. Perfect for weeknights when you crave something warm and satisfying!
Why You’ll Love One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion.
Is this One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta for you? Let’s see. One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is…
- Rich and creamy – A silky, buttery sauce coats every strand of pasta.
- One-pan magic – Less mess, fewer dishes, and an easy cleanup!
- Quick and easy – From stove to table in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable – Add shrimp, chicken, or veggies to make it your own.
- Comfort in a bowl – The perfect balance of buttery, cheesy goodness.
Quick tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Ingredients in One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with a handful of simple ingredients, yet the flavors are out of this world.
Pasta: The base of this dish. Opt for spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta shape.
Butter: The heart and soul of the sauce, creating that rich, silky texture.
Garlic: A key flavor booster—fragrant and delicious.
Heavy Cream: Brings the perfect level of creaminess to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: The star ingredient that adds nutty, salty goodness.
Salt & Pepper: To enhance and balance the flavors.
Chicken or Veggie Broth: Cooks the pasta right in the pan, infusing it with extra flavor.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Pasta: In a large pan, add the pasta, broth, butter, and garlic. Bring to a gentle boil and cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting it blend into the pasta and thicken slightly.
Melt the Parmesan: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
Season to Taste: Sprinkle in salt and pepper to balance the flavors. Adjust as needed.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for the ultimate finishing touch!
How to Serve One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta?
Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this creamy dish.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the sauce.
Protein Additions: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for extra heartiness.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted asparagus, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes add color and freshness.
Standalone Perfection: This pasta is rich and satisfying enough to enjoy on its own.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Save time by measuring ingredients in advance.
Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Go Gluten-Free: Swap out regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free option.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
Double the Batch: This pasta reheats beautifully, so make extra and enjoy it later!
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce. Pre-grated cheese can be grainy.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Stir frequently while cooking to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a unique twist.
This One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, trust me—you’re going to love this one. Happy cooking!
One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta
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 red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast the Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the skillet and stir it with the garlic to evenly coat.
- Cook the Pasta: Pour in enough chicken broth to cover the pasta, then add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 9-10 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: Remove the lid and stir. The pasta should be tender, and any excess broth will be absorbed as it cools.
- Add Cream & Butter: Stir in the heavy cream while keeping the skillet over low heat. Mix for about a minute, then remove from heat.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in butter and parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined.
- Serve & Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
