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One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 125 reviews

This One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, savory dish made by cooking ditalini pasta directly in chicken broth, then finishing with rich butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Ideal for a quick, comforting meal, this recipe uses a single skillet for an easy cleanup and delivers a deliciously cheesy, buttery pasta perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups dry ditalini pasta
  • 2 ½ – 3 cups chicken broth
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • 3–4 tbsp salted butter
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh parsley
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned to release its flavor.
  2. Toast the Pasta: Add the dry ditalini pasta to the skillet with the garlic and stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the olive oil and garlic.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Pour in enough chicken broth (about 2 ½ to 3 cups) to just cover the pasta. Add the salt and black pepper, then bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the pasta for about 9 to 10 minutes until tender.
  4. Check for Doneness: Remove the lid and stir the pasta. The ditalini should be tender and most of the broth should be absorbed or evaporated. If there’s excess broth, it will continue to absorb as it cools.
  5. Add Cream & Butter: Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix for about one minute to combine, then remove the skillet from heat.
  6. Incorporate Cheese: Immediately stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until they have melted and thoroughly combined, creating a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
  7. Serve & Enjoy: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra hint of spice and color.

Notes

  • You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a lighter or vegetarian option, but adjust the seasoning accordingly.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
  • If the pasta absorbs too much broth before fully cooking, add a little more broth or water as needed.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives, though the texture and flavor will differ.
  • Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes enhances the flavor but can be omitted if you prefer a milder dish.

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

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