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- 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 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped - Zest of 1 lemon When I make One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta, I love to gather all my ingredients first. Using high-quality pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine, is key. Both types cook well and soak up the rich flavors. I use vegetable broth for a nice base, but you can swap it for chicken broth if you prefer. Butter adds a rich flavor to the dish. I always choose unsalted butter so I can control the salt. Heavy cream makes the sauce thick and creamy. It balances the saltiness of the Parmesan. I like to add garlic for taste. Freshly minced garlic gives a great aroma. Onion powder adds depth without needing to chop onions. Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can skip them if you want a milder dish. For garnish, I use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts well and enhances the dish. I also add freshly chopped parsley for color and flavor. If I want a bit of brightness, I zest a lemon. This optional step makes the dish pop! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by melting 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it melts and bubbles, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it softens and smells great. Next, pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and stir it well. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once the broth boils, add 12 ounces of spaghetti or fettuccine. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the pasta cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir it occasionally until it is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed. After the pasta is done, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Allow it to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce a bit. Remove the skillet from heat and gradually mix in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you want a zesty kick, add the zest of 1 lemon. Finally, garnish your pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish. To make your One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta shine, adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you use. For spaghetti, it takes about 10-12 minutes to reach al dente. If you use thicker fettuccine, add a couple of extra minutes. Always taste the pasta near the end to check for doneness. Next, for a creamy sauce, stir the heavy cream in slowly. This helps it mix well with the broth and cheese. Keep the heat low while stirring. If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer a little longer. You want a silky texture that clings to the pasta. When serving, choose a large, deep bowl to showcase your pasta. This allows for a beautiful presentation. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil adds a nice touch. Fresh parsley on top gives it a pop of color. Pair this dish with grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. A simple side salad or garlic bread complements the meal perfectly. These additions make your dinner even more delightful. To boost nutrition, consider adding vegetables. Spinach or cherry tomatoes blend well with the pasta. You can stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This way, they soften but still keep their color. For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. These herbs can elevate the dish and bring in new tastes. You may also mix in different cheeses, like Pecorino, for a unique twist. Experimenting with these options can make the dish your own. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in your pasta dish. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half for a delicious alternative. Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to the dish for added nutrition and color. Perfect Al Dente: Keep an eye on the cooking time for the pasta; you want it to be al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly after being removed from heat. {{image_4}} You can change the pasta to fit your needs. Try whole wheat for more fiber. Gluten-free pasta works for those avoiding wheat. Alternative grains like quinoa or chickpea pasta add unique flavors. Each type brings a new texture and taste. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary. Fresh herbs can brighten this dish. Try adding basil, thyme, or oregano for a fresh twist. You can also mix in spices like smoked paprika or Italian seasoning. Cheese can change the whole dish, too. Pecorino cheese gives a sharper flavor than Parmesan. Experimenting with cheese helps you find your perfect taste. If you want to make it vegan, swap the butter and cream for plant-based options. Use coconut cream or cashew cream for richness. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy taste. For lower calories, reduce the heavy cream or use a low-fat version. These tweaks keep the dish tasty without the extra calories. To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Make sure it cools completely before sealing. For reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. Stir gently until heated through. You can freeze One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta. First, let it cool fully. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. This helps lock in the flavor and texture. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet with a bit of broth for best results. In the fridge, this pasta lasts for about 3 to 4 days. Look for signs of spoilage like an off smell or mold. If it looks dry or clumpy, it's best to throw it out. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Can I use a different type of broth? Yes, you can use chicken broth or beef broth instead of vegetable broth. Each type of broth adds its own flavor. Chicken broth gives a richer taste, while beef broth is heartier. Feel free to experiment with what you have. What can I substitute for heavy cream? If you don’t have heavy cream, use half-and-half or a blend of milk with butter. For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or coconut cream. These swaps will change the flavor a bit, but they still work well. How do I make it spicier? To add heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Start small and taste as you go. You can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away! What if I don't have Parmesan cheese on hand? If you lack Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. Both bring a similar salty flavor. Nutritional yeast is a great vegan option that adds a cheesy taste. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make it ahead. Just cook the pasta and sauce, then cool them down. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of broth to loosen it up. Is this dish suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Just pack it in containers and enjoy it throughout the week. It holds up well, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner. This blog post showed you how to make a tasty One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for a perfect dish. You learned about variations, storage, and common questions. With this knowledge, you can easily customize the recipe to your taste. Enjoy cooking and make this dish your own! Each bite will be a rewarding experience.

One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish made with butter, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.
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
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing)
  • 1 zest of lemon (optional, for added brightness)

Instructions
 

  • In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it becomes bubbly and fragrant.
  • Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning, until the garlic becomes fragrant and softens.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Once the broth is boiling, add the uncooked spaghetti or fettuccine, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low; cover the skillet with a lid and let the pasta cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just al dente and most of the broth has been absorbed.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to slightly thicken the sauce.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat, and gradually mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, add the lemon zest to the dish for an uplifting burst of flavor.
  • Before serving, garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve with extra grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
Keyword butter, one-pan, Parmesan, pasta