One Pan Butter Parmesan is the cozy, creamy, and cheesy dish you need in your weekly dinner rotation. This easy recipe is made entirely in one skillet, combining pantry staples like pasta, garlic, butter, and parmesan into a rich, comforting sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, and it delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner ideas or an easy recipe to impress, this one-pan wonder has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Butter Parmesan
This dish is not just about convenience; it’s about flavor and satisfaction. Here are some reasons to love this recipe:
- Quick to prepare, ready in just 20 minutes.
- Only one pan means less cleanup.
- Kid-friendly and customizable to taste.
- Rich, creamy sauce with a touch of garlic.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Can be made with chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for variety.
It’s an ideal Easy One Pan Butter Parmesan Dish for those who want a hearty meal without the fuss!
Ingredients for One Pan Butter Parmesan
Gather these items:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
How to Make One Pan Butter Parmesan Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Stir in the uncooked pasta and pour in the broth. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Step 3: Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and gradually add the grated parmesan, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Pro Tips for the Perfect One Pan Butter Parmesan
Keep these in mind:
- This dish is customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Consider using whole grain pasta for added nutrition.
Best Ways to Serve One Pan Butter Parmesan
Here are a couple of serving ideas:
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Top with grilled shrimp or chicken for added protein.
- Pair with garlic bread for a comforting dinner experience.
How to Store and Reheat One Pan Butter Parmesan
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About One Pan Butter Parmesan
What’s the secret to perfect One Pan Butter Parmesan?
The secret lies in the balance of ingredients. Use fresh garlic and high-quality parmesan for the best flavor. Also, be careful not to overcook the pasta for that perfect al dente texture.
Can I make One Pan Butter Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prep!
How do I avoid common mistakes with One Pan Butter Parmesan?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure your pasta is cooked just right and not overcooked. Also, remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
Variations of One Pan Butter Parmesan You Can Try
Here are some delicious variations:
- One Pan Butter Parmesan Chicken: Add diced chicken breast for a protein-packed meal.
- One Pan Butter Parmesan Shrimp: Incorporate shrimp for a seafood twist.
- One Pan Butter Parmesan Vegetables: Mix in seasonal veggies for added nutrition.
- One Pan Garlic Butter Parmesan: Boost the garlic flavor for garlic lovers.
These variations make it easy to enjoy One Pan Butter Parmesan in different ways!
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp for a delightful seafood option. If you’re looking for a comforting meal, our Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta is a must-try!
Print
One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta: A Cozy Delight
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is a cozy, creamy, and cheesy dish made in one skillet. It combines pasta, garlic, butter, and parmesan into a rich sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in the uncooked pasta and pour in the broth. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and gradually add the grated parmesan, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- This dish is customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
