One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, restaurant-quality dinner that comes together in 25 minutes with just one skillet. I stumbled upon this cooking method during a particularly hectic Tuesday evening when my sink was already full of dishes and the idea of more cleanup made me want to order pizza instead.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta
Getting your ingredients ready is half the battle with this recipe. I always measure everything before I start cooking, which makes the process smooth and stress-free. The beauty of this dish is that you probably have most of these staples in your kitchen already.
- 1 ½ cups dry ditalini pasta
- 2 ½ to 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option) – Start with 2½ cups and add more if needed to cover pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – I recommend using fresh garlic rather than jarred for the best flavor
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 3 to 4 tablespoons salted butter – My preference is European-style butter for extra richness
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving – In my experience, freshly grated cheese melts much smoother than pre-shredded
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional) – I usually add a pinch for a subtle warmth
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend having all your ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking. This recipe moves quickly once you begin, and having everything within reach makes the process effortless.
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant and golden but not browned. Watch carefully during this step because garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter.
Step 2: Add the dry ditalini pasta directly to the skillet and stir it with the garlic, toasting the pasta lightly for about 1 minute. You’ll hear a gentle sizzling sound. This step adds a subtle nutty flavor to the finished dish.
Step 3: Pour in 2½ cups of chicken broth to just cover the pasta, adding more if needed. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 9 to 10 minutes, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta should look swollen and tender with most liquid absorbed.
Step 4: Remove the lid and check the pasta. It should be tender but still have a slight bite, with just a little liquid remaining in the pan. If it looks dry, add a splash more broth.
Step 5: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, letting it blend into the pasta for about 1 minute. Keep the skillet over low heat while the cream warms and combines with the remaining cooking liquid.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from the heat completely. Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until both are fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. The residual heat will create the perfect creamy texture without making the sauce grainy. If you add cheese while it’s too hot, it can become stringy rather than creamy.
Step 7: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Let the pasta rest for about a minute to allow the sauce to thicken slightly, then garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes before serving.
Perfect Pairings for Your Pasta
This rich, creamy pasta benefits from sides that add freshness and contrast to balance the buttery flavors.
Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with arugula, mixed greens, and a bright lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the Parmesan sauce and adds a refreshing crunch that complements the soft pasta texture.
Garlic Bread Rolls: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy butter sauce. The toasted bread adds a satisfying crunch alongside the tender pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts bring color, nutrients, and a slightly caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the mild, cheesy pasta. The vegetables add fiber and vitamins to round out the meal.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites: These tender, flavorful steak bites pair perfectly with the creamy pasta, adding protein and making this a complete, hearty dinner that’s still ready in under 30 minutes.
Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce: Serve this pasta as a side to complement the rich, herby chicken dish for an Italian-inspired dinner feast.
Cherry Tomato Salad: Fresh cherry tomatoes tossed with basil and balsamic vinegar provide acidity and brightness that balances the butter and cream, making each bite feel lighter and more complete.
Keeping It Fresh
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, which is completely normal.
When reheating, I recommend adding a splash of cream, milk, or even a tablespoon of broth to the pasta before warming it. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, or in the microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals. This restores the creamy consistency and prevents the pasta from drying out.
Pro tip: This pasta tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to blend together. You can easily double the batch if you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a larger family. For best results when doubling, use a larger skillet (at least 12 inches) to ensure even cooking. It also works beautifully as a base for adding leftover vegetables or proteins from your fridge.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While ditalini works perfectly, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, shells, or even spaghetti. Keep the pasta shape relatively small for best results with the one-pan method. Just adjust the cooking time based on the package directions for your chosen pasta shape, checking for doneness a minute or two early.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative for a similar flavor profile. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Why is my sauce too thin or too thick?
If your sauce is too thin, let it sit off the heat for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken naturally as the pasta continues absorbing liquid. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water, broth, or cream until you reach your desired consistency. The starch from the pasta cooking liquid helps create the perfect creamy texture.
One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant and golden but not browned.
- Add the dry ditalini pasta to the skillet and stir with the garlic, toasting the pasta lightly for about 1 minute. You’ll hear a gentle sizzling sound.
- Pour in 2.5 cups of chicken broth to just cover the pasta, adding more if needed. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 9 to 10 minutes, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Remove the lid and check the pasta. It should be tender but still have a slight bite, with just a little liquid remaining. If it looks dry, add a splash more broth.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, letting it blend into the pasta for about 1 minute while keeping the skillet over low heat.
- Remove from heat completely and stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined, creating a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Let sit for 1 minute to allow sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
