Description
A creamy and flavorful garlic butter pasta recipe that combines fragrant herbs, rich butter, and Parmesan cheese for a comforting and easy-to-make meal ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Herbs and Seasonings
- 3/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 3/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Base and Pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 chicken bouillon cube
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 lb. shellbow pasta (or substitute with any short pasta of choice)
Instructions
- Prep and Measure Ingredients: Gather and measure all ingredients including herbs, butter, garlic, liquids, and pasta before starting the cooking process, as it moves quickly.
- Combine Seasonings: Mix the dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder, thyme, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Herbs: In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and the prepared seasoning blend. Stir continuously until fragrant and the butter begins to foam, allowing the herbs and garlic to release their flavors.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and add the chicken bouillon cube. Stir well and raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Once boiling, add the shellbow pasta to the pot. Maintain a gentle boil and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes or according to package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking.
- Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely forming a creamy sauce. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Add Final Touches and Serve: Place the remaining tablespoon of butter on top of the pasta, cover the pot briefly to allow it to melt, then gently stir it into the pasta. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use any short pasta like penne or rotini if shellbow is unavailable.
- Adjust the seasoning blend to taste, optionally adding red pepper flakes for heat.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth and bouillon with vegetable broth and vegetarian bouillon.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to hold texture in the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
