One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

This One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is what I call cozy comfort in a skillet. I love how simple ingredients like pasta, butter, garlic, and parmesan can come together to create something so deeply satisfying. The creaminess, the gentle bite of the pasta, and that salty, nutty parmesan—it’s the kind of dish I make when I want something quick, warm, and soul-hugging.

The magic here is in the one-pan method. No boiling water in a separate pot, no draining—everything cooks right in the skillet, soaking up all that buttery, cheesy flavor. It’s my go-to for lazy weeknights or impromptu dinners with friends. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

This recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: fast, fuss-free, and unbelievably good. It uses pantry staples, takes under 30 minutes, and only dirties one pan. The buttery richness paired with the sharpness of parmesan hits every craving note, and it’s endlessly customizable. Plus, it tastes like something you’d order in a cozy café but made effortlessly at home.

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What Kind of Parmesan Should I Use?

Freshly grated parmesan is your best friend here. It melts better, tastes sharper, and gives the sauce a silky texture that pre-shredded cheese just can’t match. If you’re in a pinch, the pre-grated kind will do—but avoid the shelf-stable, powdery stuff in the green can. It won’t melt and blend the same way.

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Options for Substitutions

No heavy cream? Swap in whole milk with a touch of flour to help thicken the sauce. If you’re out of butter, olive oil can work, though you’ll miss that rich flavor. Gluten-free pasta holds up well too, just watch the cooking time—it tends to go soft quickly. And for a dairy-free twist, use plant-based butter and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

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Ingredients for this One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

Pasta – I typically use elbow macaroni or small shells because they cook evenly and soak up the sauce beautifully. You can also use penne or rotini, just keep an eye on the cooking time.

Butter – This forms the base of the sauce, giving it a rich, velvety texture. I prefer unsalted butter so I can control the seasoning.

Garlic – A couple of cloves, finely minced, infuse the butter with a fragrant aroma and bring warmth to the flavor.

Vegetable or Chicken Broth – Instead of water, using broth to cook the pasta adds more depth and savory flavor to the final dish.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan melts into the sauce, creating a luscious and creamy consistency with a sharp, nutty bite.

Heavy Cream – This takes the sauce to the next level, making it irresistibly creamy. Just a splash goes a long way.

Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning. Adjust to taste.

Chopped Parsley (optional) – Adds a pop of color and a fresh note right before serving.

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Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir frequently for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, but not browned. This step infuses the butter with flavor right from the start.

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Step 2: Add Pasta and Broth

Pour in the uncooked pasta and your choice of broth. Stir to combine everything. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged—add a bit of water if needed. Bring it all to a gentle simmer.

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Step 3: Simmer Until Pasta is Al Dente

Cover the skillet and let it simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Depending on your pasta type, this usually takes 10-12 minutes. Most of the liquid should be absorbed, and the pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite.

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Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Parmesan

Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid has mostly reduced, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Then, add the grated parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly until it melts into a creamy, glossy sauce.

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Step 5: Season and Finish

Taste the pasta and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top if using. Serve hot, straight from the pan.

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How Long to Prepare the One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

Prep Time: This dish takes just about 5 minutes of prep. All you really need to do is gather your ingredients, mince some garlic, and grate your cheese. Since it’s a one-pan recipe, you won’t spend time juggling multiple pots or kitchen tools.

Cook Time: The pasta cooks directly in the skillet, taking about 12–15 minutes from start to finish. Simmering in broth while absorbing the garlic and butter flavors makes this a super-efficient meal.

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Tips for Perfect One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

• Use freshly grated parmesan—it melts smoother and tastes bolder.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente when the liquid has mostly absorbed.
• Stir often while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
• Add the cream and cheese only at the end to avoid curdling.
• Finish with a splash of extra broth or pasta water if you prefer a looser sauce.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using pre-shredded cheese: It won’t melt smoothly and can leave a grainy texture.
• Overcooking the garlic: Burnt garlic adds bitterness—just sauté it until fragrant.
• Skipping the broth: Cooking the pasta in water alone sacrifices flavor.
• Adding cheese too early: It can clump or become greasy if added before the heat is lowered.
• Not stirring: You need to stir the pasta every few minutes so it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.

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What to Serve With One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

A crusty slice with a buttery, garlicky spread pairs beautifully and helps scoop up every last bit of sauce.

2. Roasted Broccoli

Adds a healthy, earthy balance to the rich pasta.

3. Grilled Chicken

Sliced grilled chicken on the side or tossed into the pasta boosts protein and makes it a full meal.

4. Caesar Salad

The tangy dressing and crisp romaine offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.

5. Balsamic-Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Sweet and savory with a bit of crunch—perfect for rounding out the meal.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta may thicken as it sits, so add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to loosen the sauce.

Freezing: You can freeze it, but the texture may change slightly due to the dairy. If you do, allow it to cool completely and freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding broth or milk to restore creaminess. Microwave works too, but stir halfway through for even heating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~430 kcal
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 470mg
• Cholesterol: 60mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta without cream?

Yes! Substitute with whole milk and a teaspoon of flour to help thicken the sauce.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like elbow macaroni, shells, or penne are ideal because they cook evenly and hold the sauce well.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Stir in spinach, peas, or mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very much so. The creamy, cheesy flavor is a hit with kids and adults alike.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best fresh. If you do prep ahead, reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy.

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Conclusion

One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate quick comfort food. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned home chef, this dish delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Creamy, cheesy, and cooked all in one skillet—this is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary night into something special. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a regular in your weeknight rotation.

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