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One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 131 reviews

This One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is a creamy and comforting dish made with ditalini pasta cooked directly in chicken broth, enriched with butter, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect quick and easy meal featuring rich flavors and a velvety texture, topped optionally with fresh parsley and a touch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups dry ditalini pasta
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 – 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 3–4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh Ingredients

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh parsley
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Sauté Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, taking care not to burn it.
  2. Add Pasta: Sprinkle in 1 1/2 cups of ditalini pasta, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom of the pan. Stir the pasta together with the garlic to combine and lightly toast it.
  3. Add Broth and Season: Pour in 2 1/2 to 3 cups of chicken broth, just enough to cover the pasta. Season with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Simmer Pasta: Once boiling, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the pasta cook covered for about 9-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Check Doneness and Stir: Remove the lid and stir the pasta, tasting to check for doneness. Some broth will remain at the bottom but will be absorbed as the pasta cools.
  6. Add Cream: Drizzle in 1/3 cup of heavy cream and stir it into the pasta over the simmering stove for about 1 minute to combine and thicken.
  7. Finish with Butter and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and add 3-4 tablespoons of salted butter and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Stir until both the butter and cheese have melted fully into a creamy sauce.
  8. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes for some heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use ditalini pasta or any small pasta shape that cooks evenly in a skillet.
  • Adjust chicken broth quantity depending on pasta absorption and desired creaminess.
  • Don’t overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Adding parmesan at the end helps retain its flavor and melt perfectly into the sauce.
  • The pasta will thicken as it cools, so serve immediately for best texture.

Keywords: One-Pan Pasta, Butter Parmesan Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Quick Pasta Recipe, Easy Dinner

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/one-pan-butter-parmesan-pasta-recipe/