Name: One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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 salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Optional toppings: fresh parsley and red pepper flakes

Craving a comforting pasta dish but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is your new best friend! It’s a creamy, cheesy dream that comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious but don’t have the energy for a complicated meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: From pan to plate in 20 minutes flat. It’s the ultimate weeknight wonder!
One-Pan Magic: Less mess, less stress. Everything cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
Creamy Comfort: The combination of butter, parmesan, and cream creates a velvety sauce that hugs every bite of pasta.
Customizable: It’s a great base recipe that you can jazz up with your favorite add-ins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ditalini Pasta: These tiny tubes are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Chicken Broth: Forms the base of our sauce and infuses the pasta with flavor as it cooks.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor. Don’t skimp on this!
Heavy Cream: Just a splash creates a luxurious texture.
Butter: Salted butter adds richness and a hint of saltiness.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated for the best flavor and meltability.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that make a big difference.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the garlic and coating the pasta.
Optional Toppings: Fresh parsley for color and red pepper flakes for heat.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these tasty twists:

Veggie Boost: Toss in some frozen peas or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking.
Protein Power: Add cooked, diced chicken or crispy bacon bits.
Herb it Up: Stir in some fresh basil or thyme for an aromatic touch.
Cheesy Change: Swap half the parmesan for pecorino romano or asiago cheese.

How to Make One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This step infuses the oil with garlicky goodness.

Step 2: Toast the Pasta

Sprinkle the dry pasta into the pan, stirring to coat with the garlic-infused oil. This quick toast adds a subtle nuttiness to the pasta.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in enough chicken broth to cover the pasta. Season with salt and pepper, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 9-10 minutes until pasta is al dente.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Remove the lid and stir in heavy cream. Let it simmer for about a minute, allowing the pasta to absorb the creamy goodness.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Take the pan off the heat. Add butter and parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated. The residual heat will create a silky smooth sauce.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh parsley.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Al Dente is Key: Keep an eye on your pasta. You want it tender but still with a bit of bite.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more broth. Too thin? Let it sit for a minute – the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it cools.
Cheese Matters: Grate your own parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.

How to Serve

This pasta is a star on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.
Protein Addition: Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb more sauce as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of milk when reheating.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little milk or broth to revive the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any small pasta shape works well. Try orzo, small shells, or even broken spaghetti. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it’ll still be delicious.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Sure! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You might want to add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for extra flavor.

My sauce is too thick/thin. How can I fix it?
If it’s too thick, add a splash of hot broth or pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it sit for a few minutes off heat – the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it cools.

This One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious. The creamy, cheesy sauce will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Give it a try – I bet it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Julia

Hi, I’m Julia! A foodie who believes in keeping cooking simple, fun, and full of flavor. From quick weeknight meals to tasty treats, I’m here to share recipes that make life a little easier—and a lot more delicious. Let’s get cooking!

One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe