Butter Parmesan One-Pan Pasta Simple and Tasty Meal

Craving a delicious, easy meal? Butter Parmesan One-Pan Pasta is your answer! This simple recipe combines creamy butter, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan, all cooked in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s packed with flavor and takes just minutes to make. Let's dive into this tasty dish that will impress your family and friends! Ready to cook? Let's get started with the ingredients!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

- 10 ounces spaghetti or fettuccine

- 3 cups vegetable broth

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil)

- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

- Zest of 1 lemon

- Salt and pepper to taste

To make Butter Parmesan One-Pan Pasta, you need simple items. Start with 10 ounces of spaghetti or fettuccine. I love using these types of pasta because they soak up the sauce well. Next, grab 3 cups of vegetable broth. This broth gives the pasta a rich flavor. You will also need 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. The butter adds creaminess and richness.

Next, gather 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic brings a lovely taste to the dish. You will also need 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. This mix of oregano, thyme, and basil adds depth. If you like a bit of heat, include 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This step is optional, but it makes the dish exciting.

Don’t forget about the cheese! You will need 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese makes the sauce creamy and savory. Also, have 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley for garnish. It adds color and freshness. Lastly, prepare the zest of 1 lemon and some salt and pepper to taste.

With these ingredients, you are set for a delicious meal that is easy and fun to make!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

First, pour three cups of vegetable broth into a large skillet. Heat it on medium-high until the broth simmers. This takes about five minutes. Once simmering, add ten ounces of spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook it according to the package instructions. Stir the pasta often. You want it to absorb most of the broth. This should take about eight to ten minutes, until the pasta is al dente, which means it's firm but cooked.

Incorporating Butter and Garlic

When the pasta is nearly al dente, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add a half cup of unsalted butter and three minced garlic cloves to the pan. Stir gently as the butter melts. The garlic will soften and release its flavor into the dish. This step creates a rich base for your pasta.

Seasoning and Flavoring

Next, sprinkle in one teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. You can use oregano, thyme, or basil. If you like it spicy, add half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir everything well. This will enhance the taste and make your pasta even creamier.

Adding Cheese and Finishing Touches

Once the pasta is fully cooked, take the pan off the heat. Stir in one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. It should melt into a creamy sauce. Then, add the zest of one lemon. This gives a bright flavor that balances the richness. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Now it's time to serve! Dish the pasta into bowls or onto plates. Garnish each serving with chopped fresh parsley. This adds a nice pop of color and fresh flavor. Enjoy your Butter Parmesan One-Pan Pasta!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Pasta Texture

To get the best al dente pasta, cook it just right. This means the pasta should be firm yet tender. Follow the package time closely. Stir the pasta often as it cooks. This helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking.

Enhancing Flavor

You can boost the flavor with herbs and spices. Fresh basil or thyme adds a great taste. Try using vegetable broth for more depth. It makes the dish richer and more savory. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.

Customizing for Dietary Preferences

For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands taste great and hold up well. If you want a dairy-free version, swap out the butter for olive oil. You can use nutritional yeast instead of cheese. This gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. For vegetarian-friendly meals, skip the meat and add more veggies. Spinach or mushrooms are tasty choices.

Variations

Protein Additions

You can easily boost this dish by adding protein. Chicken is a great choice. Simply dice cooked chicken and stir it in. Shrimp is another wonderful option. Just sauté shrimp until pink and mix it in.

If you want a plant-based option, try chickpeas. They add protein and texture. You can also use tofu. Just cube it and pan-fry until golden. These options keep the meal tasty and filling.

Vegetable Additions

Mixing in seasonal vegetables can make this dish even better. Try adding spinach for a fresh taste. Kale works well too. Both add nutrients and color.

You can also add asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. Chop them up and stir them in while the pasta cooks. This adds crunch and flavor. It’s a great way to sneak in some healthy veggies.

Sauce Variations

For a creamier sauce, add heavy cream. Stir it in after the butter melts. This gives the pasta a rich taste.

You can also play with cheese. Try adding mozzarella for a gooey texture or goat cheese for a tangy twist. Each cheese brings its own flavor, making your dish unique.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Butter Parmesan One-Pan Pasta in airtight containers. Use glass or plastic containers for best results. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing. This helps keep it fresh. Refrigerate the pasta within two hours of cooking. It will last for about three to four days in the fridge.

Reheating Instructions

You can reheat the pasta on the stovetop or in the microwave. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water. Heat it on low, stirring often. This keeps the pasta creamy. In the microwave, cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. This helps the pasta heat evenly.

Freezing Options

You can freeze Butter Parmesan Pasta for later use. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely and then portion it into freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place the bag in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above, adding broth if needed to keep it creamy.

FAQs

How long does it take to make Butter Parmesan One-Pan Pasta?

Making this dish is quick and easy. It takes about 10 minutes to prep. Cooking takes around 10 minutes. In total, you need only about 20 minutes. This means you can enjoy a tasty meal in no time.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can use different pasta shapes! While spaghetti and fettuccine work well, you can try penne or rotini. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Make sure to cook it until it is al dente.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This pasta is great for meal prep. You can cook it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. It stays good for about 3 to 4 days. Just reheat it when you are ready to eat.

Can I substitute butter or parmesan cheese?

Yes, you can substitute both! For butter, try olive oil or coconut oil. If you want a dairy-free option, use vegan butter. For Parmesan, nutritional yeast is a good choice. You can also use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano.

In this blog post, I shared a simple Butter Parmesan pasta recipe. We went through the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting your pasta, and ways to customize the dish. Remember, you can enhance flavor with herbs, add proteins, or mix in veggies. The dish is also flexible for storage and meal prep. Enjoy experimenting with variations while keeping it easy and delicious. Cooking should be fun, so let your creativity shine in the kitchen!