The Creamy One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe is truly a game changer for anyone who loves rich, comforting pasta dishes without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. This dreamy combination of tender ditalini pasta bathed in a luscious, buttery Parmesan sauce is pure comfort food at its finest. Imagine the velvety sauce clinging perfectly to each tiny pasta piece, imbued with garlic’s fragrant warmth and subtle heat from optional red pepper flakes. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight meal or impressing friends with minimal effort, this recipe is a delightful staple that’s as simple as it is scrumptious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Creamy One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe so approachable and delicious is its reliance on common yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building that silky sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, making your kitchen smell like a dream.
- Ditalini Pasta: The small tubular shape grabs and holds onto the sauce beautifully for every bite.
- Chicken Broth: Provides a savory base that infuses deeper flavor into the pasta as it cooks.
- Garlic (freshly minced): Adds aromatic punch that forms the backbone of the sauce’s flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, luscious texture that turns the dish wonderfully decadent.
- Salted Butter: Melts into the sauce to enhance richness and add silky mouthfeel.
- Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Offers a sharp, nutty character that defines this classic dish.
- Olive Oil: Essential for gently sautéing garlic without burning its delicate flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Crucial for seasoning perfectly, balancing all the creamy and savory components.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Bring a subtle kick that livens up each forkful.
- Fresh Parsley: Finishes the dish with a pop of color and fresh, herbal brightness.
How to Make Creamy One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or wide pan over medium heat. Once warm, add the freshly minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant and golden around the edges. This step is crucial as it releases garlic’s essential oils, forming a flavorful foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Add Pasta and Broth
Immediately add the ditalini pasta to the pan, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cooking pasta directly in broth means it soaks up all that savory goodness while staying juicy — no need to drain anything later!
Step 3: Stir in Butter and Cream
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the butter and heavy cream. Keep the heat low to allow the butter to melt smoothly and the cream to meld effortlessly with the broth base, creating a luxuriously silky sauce.
Step 4: Incorporate Parmesan Cheese
Remove the pan from heat and immediately mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This step thickens the sauce further and infuses it with that unmistakable sharp, nutty flavor that defines the dish.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Season the pasta with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley on top for a vibrant touch that elevates the final presentation and taste.
How to Serve Creamy One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few more fresh parsley leaves can make your dish look like it came from a fancy Italian trattoria. For a little extra flair, a drizzle of good quality olive oil over the top adds sheen and a silky finish.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines as a hearty main course but also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or brussels sprouts. The freshness and crunch provide contrast to the creamy richness of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in small bowls as a cozy appetizer or as a generous main plate garnished with toasted pine nuts or a few sun-dried tomatoes for an unexpected texture and flavor twist. It also makes a fantastic stuffing for bell peppers or baked mushrooms if you want to get inventive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because of the creamy sauce, the pasta may thicken, so stirring before reheating helps restore its luscious texture.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to enjoy this pasta fresh. The cream and cheese can separate and become grainy after freezing and thawing. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir continuously until warmed through and silky again. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ditalini is ideal because of its size and sauce-holding shape, you can use small shells, penne, or elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking liquid and time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly. The rich butter and Parmesan still make it wonderfully satisfying.
Can I replace heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can try half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind that the texture will be less rich and creamy. Adding a small amount of flour can help thicken the sauce.
How spicy does this become with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes are completely optional and easy to adjust. Adding just a pinch gives a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish, perfect for those who like a hint of spice.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking while cooking in one pan?
Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it simmers in the broth to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Using enough broth for the pasta to swim during cooking also helps.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the simple joy of digging into a bowl of creamy, buttery pasta that feels both comforting and indulgent — and the Creamy One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe delivers that experience with spectacular ease. This dish proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or a dozen pots to make something truly special. I encourage you to try it, experiment with your own twists, and watch this recipe become a beloved staple in your home as it has in mine.
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Creamy One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is a deliciously simple and quick dish perfect for a comforting meal with minimal cleanup. Featuring tender ditalini pasta cooked in chicken broth, infused with garlic, butter, and parmesan cheese, this recipe yields a rich and creamy sauce that coats every bite. Garnished with fresh parsley and a hint of red pepper flakes for optional heat, it’s an effortless way to enjoy a flavorful Italian-inspired dinner in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Broth
- 1.5 cups Ditalini Pasta (small shape that absorbs sauce)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (use low sodium if preferred)
Sauce and Flavorings
- 3 cloves Garlic (freshly minced)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (for a decadent texture)
- 3 tablespoons Salted Butter (enhances flavors)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated for best results)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing garlic)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Pepper (adjust to taste)
- To taste Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, for color and freshness)
Instructions
- Sauté the garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the freshly minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, ensuring it does not burn.
- Add pasta and broth: Pour in 1.5 cups of ditalini pasta and 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pasta simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8-10 minutes.
- Incorporate cream and butter: Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 3 tablespoons of salted butter. Mix well to combine and allow the butter to melt completely, creating a creamy consistency.
- Mix in parmesan cheese: Add 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts evenly into the sauce, making it even more luscious and flavorful.
- Season the pasta: Add 0.5 teaspoon salt, 0.5 teaspoon pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and toss lightly. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the pasta to cook a little longer uncovered to evaporate more liquid.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- This recipe works well with other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
