Some nights, you just want comfort — the kind that comes from creamy sauce, a little garlic, and a whole lot of Parmesan. That’s where this One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta comes in. It’s rich, buttery, and perfectly cheesy, all made in one skillet with minimal cleanup. The pasta cooks directly in broth, soaking up every ounce of flavor before being tossed in a silky butter and Parmesan sauce.
It’s the kind of simple meal that turns a hectic weekday into a cozy, satisfying dinner — no fancy ingredients, just a few pantry staples and 25 minutes of cooking love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta
This pasta is a game-changer for busy nights and comfort food lovers alike.
- Only one pan to wash — no draining, no fuss
- Creamy, buttery sauce with real Parmesan flavor
- Quick and easy — ready in 25 minutes flat
- Perfect base for add-ins like chicken, shrimp, or veggies
- Family-friendly and budget-conscious
- Comforting, classic, and deeply satisfying
When I first started cooking after long days on job sites, one-pan meals like this kept me fed and happy. My mom used to say, “A good meal doesn’t need to be complicated — it just needs butter.” This pasta proves her right. It’s rich but balanced, humble but delicious — exactly what a home-cooked meal should be.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish uses simple ingredients to create deep, buttery flavor.
For the Pasta:
- 1½ cups dry ditalini pasta – or any small pasta like penne, elbow, or rotini
- 2½–3 cups chicken broth – the base for the sauce; adds depth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for flavor
- ⅓ cup heavy cream – gives it body and silkiness
- 3–4 tablespoons salted butter – the heart of the recipe
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – salty, nutty perfection
- ½ teaspoon salt – enhances flavor
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – for balance
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – helps toast the pasta and deepen flavor
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley – for color and freshness
- Red pepper flakes – for gentle heat
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes:
- Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein
- Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter texture
- Substitute Pecorino Romano for extra tang
- Add baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for brightness
Step-by-Step Instructions
This is weeknight cooking at its best — simple, quick, and delicious.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. (Jake’s tip: Don’t let it brown — burnt garlic loses its sweetness.)
- Add the Pasta: Stir in the dry pasta, letting it toast lightly in the garlic butter for 1 minute. This gives the dish a nutty undertone.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, starting with 2½ cups. Stir, cover, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, reduce the heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of remaining broth until it coats the pasta perfectly.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Quick Reminders:
- Stir often while cooking to prevent sticking.
- Add liquid gradually — you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
- For creamier sauce, stir in Parmesan off heat to prevent clumping.
- Serve immediately — it’s best when freshly made.
Expert Tips for Success
This one-pan wonder is all about timing and texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts better than pre-shredded.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Don’t overcook; you want the pasta to absorb flavor but stay al dente.
- Reserve a bit of broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness before serving.
- Double the recipe — it reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
If you love creamy pasta recipes like this, check out my Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne for a protein-packed dinner or my Creamy One-Pot French Onion Pasta when you’re craving something a little richer.
Serving Suggestions
This buttery pasta is versatile — serve it as a main dish or a side that steals the show.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken
- Serve alongside garlic bread for a full comfort meal
- Add a crisp Caesar or garden salad for freshness
- Drizzle with truffle oil for a gourmet twist
- Pair with Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta for an indulgent dinner spread
- Enjoy with a side of Lemon Ricotta Pasta for a citrusy contrast
No matter how you serve it, this pasta will quickly become a family favorite — rich, simple, and endlessly comforting.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers? They’re just as creamy the next day with a quick warm-up.
How to Store It:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to revive the sauce.
- Avoid freezing — the dairy can separate.
How to Reheat It:
- Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a touch of cream or broth.
- Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
- Don’t overheat — it can make the butter and cheese split.
This pasta is ideal for meal prep — it keeps its flavor and texture beautifully with just a little care.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 1 of 4 Servings)
Calories: 510 | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 560mg | Potassium: 210mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Calcium: 220mg | Iron: 1mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without cream?
Yes! Use milk and an extra tablespoon of butter instead. The sauce will still be rich and flavorful.
What pasta shape works best?
Ditalini, penne, or small shells work great because they hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely — peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms add a great balance to the richness.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s buttery, cheesy, and perfectly simple — a dish that turns everyday ingredients into something special.
- Stir with patience — it’s what builds that creamy texture.
- Use good butter and cheese — they make the flavor shine.
- Serve it hot, right from the pan, for the ultimate cozy dinner.
From my Texas kitchen to yours, this one’s for those nights when you just want to sit down, twirl your fork, and taste pure comfort.
One‑Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the dry pasta to the skillet and stir to coat in the garlic butter, letting it toast lightly for about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth (about 2½ cups), stir, then cover and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce. Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Best served immediately — leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or cream.
