One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta (20-Minute Creamy Dinner Recipe)

Sometimes, I just want something warm and rich that hugs the day away. This One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta came together on one of those tired Tuesday nights when I couldn’t bear another sink full of dishes. It’s fast, buttery, and creamy in all the right ways — and yes, it only needs one pan.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

You’re 20 minutes from buttery, garlicky bliss — no boiling, no draining.
This pasta cooks right in the broth, soaking up all that flavor while thickening into a dreamy sauce.
It’s ultra creamy without feeling too heavy, and the parmesan adds a salty, umami punch.
Cleanup? Just one pan.
Even picky eaters dig in, and you can tweak it endlessly with veggies or protein.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta Choices

Start with 1 1/2 cups of dry ditalini pasta, but don’t stress if you only have small shells or orzo.
Just avoid long noodles, since they won’t cook evenly in this method.
Short shapes let the sauce coat every nook and cranny — which is exactly what we want.

Garlic and Olive Oil Base

This whole dish begins with garlic sizzling in olive oil.
That first 30 seconds fills your kitchen with the kind of smell that makes people wander in asking, “What’s cooking?”
Use fresh garlic if you can — it makes a difference.

Cream, Butter & Parmesan

Cream brings the luscious texture.
Butter melts in at the end for richness.
And parmesan? That’s your flavor bomb.
Use freshly grated if possible. Pre-shredded won’t melt the same and lacks that sharp bite.

Seasonings and Optional Toppings

Salt and black pepper season the base, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some gentle heat.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes it look fancy even if you’re just eating in sweats.

Step-by-Step: How to Make One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low.
Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
Don’t let it brown — just bloom the flavor.

Cook Pasta in Broth

Pour in your 1.5 cups of dry pasta and stir it into the garlic oil.
Add 2.5 to 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth — enough to cover the pasta.
Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover.

Let it cook for 9–10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
If the liquid evaporates too fast, splash in a bit more broth.

Add Cream, Butter, and Parmesan

Uncover and test the pasta. Once it’s al dente, stir in 1/3 cup heavy cream.
Let that bubble for about a minute.
Then turn off the heat and mix in 3–4 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup grated parmesan.
Stir until the butter melts and the sauce looks glossy and smooth.

Finish and Serve with Garnishes

Taste and adjust seasoning.
Add red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
Top with more parmesan and chopped parsley.
Serve straight from the pan.

Variations and Add-Ins

Protein Options (chicken, shrimp, steak, salmon)

This pasta is delicious on its own, but also a perfect blank canvas.
You can top it with grilled chicken, garlic butter shrimp, or even leftover steak slices.
Salmon also works beautifully — just flake it over the top before serving.

Veggie Additions (peas, broccoli, greens)

Toss in frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
Or steam broccoli and fold it in with the cream.
Sautéed spinach or kale works too and blends right into the sauce.

Extra-Cheesy Upgrades

Want more cheese?
Add a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack right after the parmesan.
It melts in and gives the sauce an extra gooey twist.

High-Protein Version with Chickpea Pasta

For a more filling version, try chickpea-based pasta and swap the broth for bone broth.
You’ll get more protein, more fiber, and still that creamy, cheesy vibe.

FAQs About Butter Parmesan Pasta

One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe Card

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More Such Recipes

Looking for more creamy, comforting dinner ideas?

Try this creamy tomato beef pasta in one pot for a hearty twist.

Or check out my Tuscan-inspired mac and cheese comfort dish for something a little fancier.

Need a veggie side? These roasted green beans with garlic and parmesan balance the richness beautifully.

Or go classic with this oven-baked cheesy potato side dish — it pairs well with everything.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is the kind of meal that meets you where you are.
Tired? It’s fast.
Hungry? It’s satisfying.
Low on dishes? You’re covered.

Use it as a base and build it up with whatever you’ve got.
Add veggies, throw in protein, play with cheeses — it’s your pan, your rules.

If you try it, I’d love to hear what you added or swapped!
Leave a comment or share your version on Pinterest or Facebook.
We’re in this cozy cooking thing together.

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