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One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta served in a bowl with cheese and herbs

One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

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A creamy, easy-to-make pasta dish blending butter, garlic, and Parmesan, perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Base
  • 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you prefer) This will be the base of your dish, absorbing all those delightful flavors.
  • 4 cups water Essential for cooking the pasta; the starch released will help thicken your sauce.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter The key player adding richness and depth.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced For aromatic warmth that infuses your dish.
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Creaminess and nutty flavor come from this essential ingredient.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Simple seasonings that elevate the dish.
Garnish
  • to taste Fresh parsley Adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large skillet, combine the pasta and water over medium heat. Allow the water to come to a boil while stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
  2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the pasta simmer for about 10–12 minutes, or until the water is mostly absorbed and the pasta is al dente.
Making the Sauce
  1. Uncover the skillet and add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 2–3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the butter has melted.
  2. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
Final Touches
  1. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well.
  2. Remove from heat and allow the dish to settle for about a minute before serving. This helps the sauce to thicken slightly.
  3. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

Notes

For a lighter version, swap the butter for olive oil. You can also add fresh vegetables for added nutrition. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

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