One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

I’ve made a lot of pasta dishes over the years, but few are as comforting, simple, and downright crave-worthy as this One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta. It’s the kind of meal that soothes the soul after a long day, with rich, buttery flavor and a silky cheese sauce that clings to every bite of tender pasta. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder — which means less mess and more time enjoying the good stuff.

The magic here is how the pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing every bit of flavor from the garlic, butter, and broth. There’s no draining, no separate pot for sauce — just one skillet and a whole lot of deliciousness. Whether I’m cooking for the family or just need a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe always delivers.

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Why You’ll Love This One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

• Everything cooks in one pan — less cleanup!
• Creamy, cheesy, buttery goodness in every forkful.
• No heavy cream needed — the starch from the pasta creates the sauce.
• Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Totally customizable with protein or veggies.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best in One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta?

I like to use small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, penne, or shells because they cook evenly and soak up the flavor-packed liquid beautifully. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti in this one, since they don’t always cook evenly in a single layer and tend to clump.

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Options for Substitutions

• Butter: Swap with olive oil for a lighter version, or use ghee for a richer flavor.
• Parmesan: Pecorino Romano or Asiago are great alternatives.
• Vegetable broth: You can use chicken broth for extra depth, or water in a pinch (just adjust seasoning).
• Garlic: Garlic powder works in a hurry, but fresh garlic gives the best punch.
• Pasta: Gluten-free pasta works well — just keep an eye on cook time, as it may vary.

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Ingredients for this One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

• Butter: The base of the sauce, it gives richness and helps build that silky texture.
• Garlic: Adds a subtle punch of flavor that balances the richness of the butter and cheese.
• Vegetable Broth: Infuses the pasta with savory depth while helping cook the pasta evenly.
• Milk: Adds creaminess without making the dish too heavy.
• Elbow Macaroni: Holds the sauce well, cooks quickly, and gives that classic comforting bite.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings the salty, nutty finish that defines this dish.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a bit of freshness and color to the finished dish.

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Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This step builds the aromatic base of the dish.

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Step 2: Add Broth, Milk, and Uncooked Pasta

Pour in the vegetable broth and milk, stirring to combine. Then, add the elbow macaroni directly to the pan. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking as the pasta begins to cook and absorb the liquid.

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Step 3: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 10-12 minutes. Stir every few minutes to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and nothing sticks to the bottom. The liquid will reduce and start forming a creamy base as the pasta releases its starch.

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Step 4: Stir in Parmesan Cheese

Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has thickened into a sauce, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with a sprinkle of more Parmesan and some chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot right from the skillet — creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.

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How Long to Prepare the One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

Prep Time: It only takes about 5 minutes to prep everything — just a bit of chopping and measuring. Since we’re using minimal ingredients and no complicated prep work, it’s super efficient.

Cook Time: Once everything hits the pan, expect around 15–18 minutes to reach that perfect creamy consistency and al dente pasta. The total time from stovetop to table is roughly 20–25 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor.
• Stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking or clumping.
• Keep the heat at a simmer, not a rolling boil, to let the sauce thicken gradually.
• Don’t cover the skillet while cooking — the liquid needs to reduce.
• Add a splash of extra milk if the sauce gets too thick after sitting.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Burning the garlic: Keep a close eye — it only takes a minute to sauté.
• Overcooking the pasta: Pull it off the heat as soon as it’s al dente to avoid mushiness.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: It doesn’t melt smoothly due to anti-caking agents.
• Not stirring enough: Pasta can clump or stick without regular stirring.
• Too much liquid left: Let it simmer longer if the sauce seems too loose before adding cheese.

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What to Serve With One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is a classic side that pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta.

2. Green Salad

A crisp arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted broccoli, asparagus, or brussels sprouts for a simple, healthy contrast.

4. Grilled Chicken

Sliced grilled or baked chicken breast makes it more filling without overpowering the dish.

5. Sauteed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms sautéed with a touch of thyme bring umami and depth to the plate.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Let the pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk to revive the sauce.

Freezer: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Place cooled pasta in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with milk on the stove.

Reheating Tips: Add a touch of butter or milk when reheating to loosen up the sauce and restore creaminess.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: ~420 per serving
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this pasta gluten-free?

Just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely. Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon are all great additions.

What if my sauce turns out too thick?

Add a splash of milk or broth and stir until it loosens up to your desired consistency.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If making ahead, reheat with a bit of milk to bring back the creamy texture.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Very much so! The mild, cheesy flavors are a hit with both kids and adults alike.

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Conclusion

One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is my go-to comfort meal when I need something fast, flavorful, and fuss-free. It delivers the creamy richness of a traditional pasta dish with half the effort and cleanup. Whether you’re serving it solo or with your favorite sides, it’s bound to become a favorite at your table too.

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