One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

Introduction

When you’re craving comfort food but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta comes to the rescue. With tender ditalini pasta, savory garlic, rich cream, and plenty of Parmesan, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your table in just 20 minutes. Best of all, it’s made entirely in one pan, meaning fewer dishes and less stress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or unexpected guests, this creamy pasta is always a winner.

My recipe story

This recipe was born on one of those weeknights when I had little time, a hungry family, and just a few staple ingredients in my pantry. Ditalini pasta, some garlic, chicken broth, cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese—it didn’t seem like much, but when combined, they turned into something magical. My family loved it so much that it quickly became a go-to dish whenever we wanted comfort food without the effort. Over time, I’ve refined it with the perfect pasta-to-liquid ratio, a touch of creaminess, and the right balance of butter and Parmesan to make it truly irresistible.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the creamy, savory flavor profile that makes this pasta so satisfying. You likely already have many of these ingredients in your kitchen, making it a convenient go-to dish.

Ditalini Pasta: These small, tube-shaped noodles are perfect because they hold the sauce in every bite. However, you can use other small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, orecchiette, or mini shells if needed.

Chicken Broth: Instead of boiling pasta in plain water, cooking it in chicken broth infuses each piece with savory flavor. It also helps create a starchy base for the sauce without needing to drain excess liquid.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds depth and a subtle kick that pairs beautifully with butter and Parmesan. For a bolder taste, you can sauté a little extra garlic before adding the pasta.

Heavy Cream: Just a touch of cream makes the sauce velvety and rich without being too heavy. It balances the butter and Parmesan perfectly.

Butter and Parmesan: The star duo! Butter adds richness while Parmesan gives the pasta its salty, cheesy punch. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and meltability.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large, deep skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Garlic press (optional, for mincing garlic)
• Grater or microplane for Parmesan

Step-by-step directions

1. Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the pasta.
2. Add the pasta and broth: Stir in the ditalini pasta, then pour in 2 ½ cups of chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, making sure the pasta is submerged. As the pasta cooks, it will absorb the broth, becoming flavorful and tender.
3. Cook until tender: Let the pasta cook uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the liquid reduces too quickly, add an extra ½ cup of broth as needed. The pasta should be al dente with a small amount of starchy liquid left in the pan.
4. Stir in the cream and butter: Lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream along with the remaining butter. Stir gently until the sauce begins to thicken and coat the pasta evenly.
5. Add Parmesan and finish: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, stirring until melted and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.

Variations & substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to get creative with your pantry ingredients. For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed shrimp. Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers also blend beautifully with the creamy sauce. If you’re vegetarian, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth without losing depth of flavor. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use olive oil in place of some of the butter.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with extra liquid as needed. To make ahead, you can cook the pasta in broth, cool it, and then finish with cream, butter, and Parmesan just before serving.

Serving ideas & pairings

This creamy pasta makes a satisfying main dish on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with other sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up the sauce. For a heartier meal, pair it with roasted chicken, salmon, or grilled vegetables. A chilled glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, makes an elegant pairing for adults.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like macaroni, mini shells, or orecchiette work just as well.

Can I make this without cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
Add more broth or cream in small amounts until you reach the desired consistency.

Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it fully vegetarian.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger pan and adjust the liquid slightly as the pasta cooks.

Final thoughts

With its creamy sauce, buttery richness, and bold Parmesan flavor, this One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for any night of the week. Quick enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. Keep it simple or add your favorite proteins and veggies to make it your own—the possibilities are endless. Next time you need a stress-free, soul-warming meal, this pasta will be ready to deliver.

One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy, cheesy, and ready in just 20 minutes, this one-pan pasta is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. Easy cleanup, big flavor.

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Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups dry ditalini pasta
• 2 ½ to 3 cups chicken broth

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Stir in the ditalini pasta and pour in 2 ½ cups chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until pasta is al dente. Add extra broth if needed.
3. Reduce heat to low, then stir in the remaining butter and heavy cream. Mix until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta.

4. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

 For extra protein, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth or cream.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian