There’s something magical about butter melting into hot pasta, creating those silky golden ribbons that coat every strand. This one-pan butter parmesan pasta has become everyone’s weeknight hero because it delivers restaurant-quality comfort in just one skillet. No fuss, no extra dishes, just pure creamy goodness.
Think of your favorite buttery noodles, but elevated with real parmesan and pasta water magic. Everything cooks together in one pan – the pasta, the sauce, the whole beautiful mess. The starchy cooking water becomes your secret weapon, creating that glossy sauce that clings to every bite. It’s like having a fancy Italian dinner without leaving your kitchen.
I started making this back in 2008 when my girls were little and dinnertime felt impossible. The first time I watched that pasta water transform into silky sauce, I knew I’d found something special. My secret? Save that starchy water before draining – it’s liquid gold for bringing everything together. Twenty minutes later, we’re all gathered around steaming bowls.
PrintOne-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta: Delicious Easy Recipe
This One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is a viral one-pan pasta loved for its creamy, buttery sauce and rich parmesan flavor. It’s a quick butter parmesan pasta recipe perfect for a satisfying 20-minute pasta dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dry ditalini pasta
- 2 1/2 –3 cups chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 3–4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- optional toppings fresh parsley and red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Warm two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat and cook the garlic until it releases its aroma, about 30 seconds.
- Add the pasta in a layer to cover the pan bottom and stir with the garlic to coat evenly.
- Pour in enough chicken broth to cover the pasta along with salt and pepper, then bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover the skillet, lower the heat to a simmer, and let cook for 9 to 10 minutes.
- Uncover and stir the pasta, checking for tenderness while some broth remains on the pan bottom.
- Stir in the heavy cream and continue mixing over simmering heat for about one minute.
- Remove from heat and blend in butter and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and add red pepper flakes for a spicy touch if you like.
Notes
- You can substitute the ditalini pasta with other small shapes like Orecchiette, Pastina, Orzo, Small Elbows, Small Shells, or Acini de Pepe
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Why This One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Will Become Your Go-To
There’s a reason this recipe has been passed down through generations of home cooks. The magic happens when that starchy pasta water mingles with butter and parmesan cheese, creating a silky sauce that coats every piece of ditalini pasta perfectly.
What makes this dish special is the simplicity paired with pure comfort. You’re not juggling multiple pots or complicated techniques; just one skillet where everything comes together beautifully. The pasta cooks directly in the chicken broth, absorbing all those savory flavors while releasing its natural starches to create the creamiest base.
- One pan means less cleanup: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss.
- Ready in 20 minutes: From start to finish, dinner is on the table before you know it.
- Infinitely adaptable: Add your favorite protein or vegetables to make it your own.
Essential Ingredients and What They Bring
The beauty of this viral one-pan pasta lies in its simplicity – just a handful of pantry staples that transform into something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays its part in creating that perfect creamy, buttery sauce.
The ditalini pasta is ideal because its small tube shape holds onto every bit of that gorgeous sauce. Chicken broth does double duty as both cooking liquid and flavor base, while the heavy cream adds that restaurant-quality richness. Don’t skimp on freshly grated parmesan cheese – it melts so much better than the pre-grated kind.
| Ingredient | Why It Matters | Easy Swaps |
|---|---|---|
| Ditalini Pasta | Small tubes hold sauce perfectly | Orecchiette, small elbows, or shells |
| Chicken Broth | Adds depth while pasta cooks | Vegetable broth for vegetarian option |
| Heavy Cream | Creates silky, restaurant-quality texture | Half-and-half for lighter version |
| Fresh Parmesan | Melts smoothly, adds nutty richness | Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor |
The Magic Behind the Method
The secret to perfect one-pan butter parmesan pasta is understanding how the starch works in your favor. When pasta cooks directly in the broth, it releases natural starches that thicken the cooking liquid into a silky sauce base.
Starting with that fragrant garlic and olive oil creates an aromatic foundation that infuses every bite. The key is keeping the heat gentle once you add the pasta – too high and the broth will evaporate before the pasta is tender. When you remove the lid after simmering, there should still be some liquid in the pan that will get absorbed as everything cools.
- Low and slow simmering: Prevents the broth from boiling away too quickly.
- Covered cooking: Traps steam to cook pasta evenly.
- Off-heat finishing: Butter and cheese melt smoothly without breaking.
Timing Your Way to Perfect Pasta
| Step | Time | What’s Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic sauté | 30 seconds | Building aromatic base |
| Bring to boil | 3-4 minutes | Getting pasta cooking started |
| Covered simmer | 9-10 minutes | Pasta absorbing flavors |
| Cream addition | 1 minute | Creating creamy base |
| Butter & cheese finish | 1-2 minutes | Final sauce comes together |
When Things Don’t Go as Planned
Even the most experienced cooks sometimes find their pasta needs a little help. If your pasta seems too dry after the covered simmering, don’t worry – just add a splash more chicken broth and continue cooking until tender.
Sometimes the sauce can look a bit thin at first, but resist the urge to keep cooking. Once you stir in that butter and parmesan cheese off the heat, everything will come together beautifully. If it’s still too thin, let it sit for a minute or two – the residual heat will help thicken things up.
- Pasta too firm? Add more broth and simmer a few minutes longer.
- Sauce too thin? Let it rest off heat – the starches will continue working.
- Cheese clumping? Make sure the pan is off heat when you add it, and stir gently.
Making It Your Own
This creamy parmesan pasta is like a blank canvas waiting for your personal touches. I love stirring in some leftover rotisserie chicken or crispy pancetta for protein, or adding frozen peas in the last few minutes of cooking for a pop of color and sweetness.
The red pepper flakes mentioned in the recipe are my secret weapon – just a pinch transforms this from mild and comforting to having a gentle warmth that wakes up all the flavors. Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks either; it adds a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through all that rich, buttery goodness.
Serving and Storing Your Creation
This pasta is at its absolute best served immediately, when the sauce is still glossy and clinging to every piece. I like to warm the serving bowls beforehand – it keeps everything at that perfect temperature just a little bit longer.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Add splash of cream or broth when reheating |
| Freezer | Not recommended | Cream sauces don’t freeze well |
| Best serving | Immediately | Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh parsley |
Pro Tip: If reheating leftovers, add a tablespoon of heavy cream or chicken broth to bring back that silky texture – the pasta absorbs the sauce as it sits, so a little extra liquid works wonders.
Expert Says
One-pan butter parmesan pasta is not just a quick dish; it’s a wonderful way to maximize flavor while minimizing cleanup. The technique of cooking pasta in the sauce allows starch to leach out, creating a luscious, creamy texture that coats each strand beautifully. Enjoy the simplicity and depth of this comforting meal.
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The Journey to My One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta
After countless attempts, I finally found the right balance for my One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta. I still chuckle remembering the time I added too much garlic and sent my family running for water! Now, this creamy, comforting dish brings smiles and warmth to our table as we bond over cherished stories and laughter.
FAQs ( One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta )
What is One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta?
This dish combines pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese into a creamy, delicious meal made in just one pan. It’s a wonderfully simple recipe that yields rich flavors in around 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting pasta is a family favorite.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This meal can be prepared in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for a quick dinner. By using just one pan, you save time on both cooking and cleanup. You’ll enjoy a tasty dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
What pasta works best for this dish?
For this creamy Parmesan pasta, short shapes like penne or rotini work best as they hold onto the sauce well. You can also use spaghetti or fettuccine if you prefer a longer noodle. Just ensure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip any meat ingredients. The butter and cheese will still provide rich flavor, making it a satisfying vegetarian meal. It’s a great option for anyone looking for plant-based dishes.
What to serve with Butter Parmesan Pasta?
This stir-fry pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for some extra indulgence. It makes a delightful combination that is sure to please everyone at the table.
This one-pan butter parmesan pasta comes together in just twenty minutes, yet tastes like you’ve been stirring love into it all day. The creamy, golden sauce effortlessly clings to each piece, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma of butter and cheese. You’ll love how effortlessly elegant something so simple can feel on a busy evening.
A trick my grandmother taught me: save a cup of that starchy pasta water before adding creamit’s liquid gold for adjusting consistency. Consider stirring in leftover roast chicken or crispy bacon for heartier appetites, or fresh spinach, which wilts beautifully in the last minute. Leftovers reheat wonderfully with just a splash of cream to bring back that silky texture.
There’s something deeply satisfying about gathering around bowls of buttery pasta, watching faces light up with that first bite. Did this remind you of a favorite family dish from your childhood? I’d love to hear your memoriessnap a photo and share how you made this recipe your own. Save it for the next time you need dinner magic in a hurry.
