One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

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When dinner needs to happen fast but still feel comforting and rich, this One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is the answer. This dish comes together in a single skillet, giving you fewer dishes to wash and a meal that delivers silky, cheesy flavor in every forkful. Whether you’re cooking for your family or need a satisfying weeknight meal for one, this creamy pasta has your back.

Butter, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan team up to create a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to tender pasta. There’s no need to drain the noodles, which cook directly in the buttery broth and absorb all that goodness. The result? A creamy, nutty, and buttery bowl of pasta that feels like comfort food at its best.

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

This pasta is all about maximum flavor with minimal effort. Everything happens in one pan, which means quick prep and even quicker cleanup. The buttery Parmesan sauce is rich but not too heavy, making it perfect for both kids and adults. It’s versatile enough to pair with a side salad or a piece of grilled chicken, and it’s just as satisfying on its own.

The ingredients are simple pantry staples, but the flavor tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. Plus, there’s no flour or cream needed—just pasta, butter, Parmesan, and a little love.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal for this dish because they hold onto the sauce beautifully. That said, spaghetti or fettuccine also work if you prefer a long noodle experience. The key is choosing pasta that cooks evenly in the pan and allows the butter and cheese to soak into every bite.

Ingredients for the One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

This dish keeps it wonderfully simple, relying on ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each element plays a role in delivering that creamy, comforting flavor that defines the recipe.

• Butter
• Garlic
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Pasta
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper
• Chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

The butter brings richness and that unmistakable creamy texture. Garlic adds depth and warmth without overpowering the sauce. Low-sodium chicken broth acts as the cooking liquid and infuses the pasta with savory flavor as it simmers. Pasta, the star, soaks up all the buttery broth. Parmesan cheese melts into the liquid, creating a smooth and cheesy coating. A little salt and pepper enhances everything, and if you like, parsley offers a pop of color and freshness at the end.

How To Make the One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Start with Butter and Garlic

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it starts to foam slightly, add minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant. Don’t let it brown, just enough to release that delicious aroma.

Step 2: Add Broth and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Then add the dry pasta straight into the pan. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir occasionally and let it cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Stir in Parmesan

Once the pasta is fully cooked, remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan. Keep mixing until the cheese is fully melted and coats the pasta in a silky sauce. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Taste and season with salt and freshly ground pepper as needed. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately while the pasta is warm and creamy.

How to Serve and Store This One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

This recipe yields about four generous servings, making it great for a small family dinner or meal prepping for the week. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to help revive the creamy consistency.

What to Serve With One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta?

Grilled Chicken Thighs

A juicy grilled protein balances the richness of the pasta and adds satisfying flavor.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Bright and zesty shrimp pair beautifully with the buttery sauce and make the meal feel extra fancy.

Roasted Broccoli

Crisp, oven-roasted broccoli adds texture and a touch of charred flavor that cuts through the creaminess.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella add freshness and acidity that contrasts the savory pasta.

Garlic Bread

If you want to lean all the way into comfort food, buttery garlic bread on the side is never a bad idea.

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad’s creamy dressing and crunchy croutons offer the perfect contrast.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Umami-packed mushrooms bring earthy depth to the meal and match the pasta’s richness.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these cozy and delicious options too:

• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a plant-based twist with rich flavor.
• One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni if you’re in the mood for a meaty dinner.
• Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a protein-packed creamy option.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta for a spicier seafood spin.
• Tuscan Chicken Pasta that brings in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a hearty bite.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it whenever you need a quick and creamy dinner idea.

Let me know how it turned out for you. Did you toss in veggies or grilled meat? Did you go extra heavy on the cheese?

I love seeing how others make these dishes their own. Share your tweaks and questions in the comments!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting and comfort food recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for simple weeknight meals.

Conclusion

This One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is proof that weeknight dinners can be both stress-free and seriously satisfying. With minimal ingredients, a single pan, and flavors that feel indulgent, this dish is destined to become a regular in your rotation. Keep it simple or dress it up—it’s delicious every time.

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