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One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 89 reviews

A creamy, comforting one-pan butter parmesan pasta that’s quick and easy to prepare. This recipe features tender ditalini pasta cooked directly in chicken broth and finished with rich butter, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese for a deliciously cheesy sauce. Ideal for a simple weeknight dinner, it’s garnished with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Ingredients

Scale

Primary 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: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant to release the garlic’s flavors without burning.
  2. Toast the Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the skillet and stir it together with the garlic and olive oil, coating the pasta evenly and giving it a slight toasty flavor.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Pour in enough chicken broth to cover the pasta completely, then add salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 9 to 10 minutes until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
  4. Check for Doneness: Remove the lid and stir the pasta; it should be tender yet slightly firm to the bite, and any excess broth will be mostly absorbed as it cools, creating a creamy texture.
  5. Add Cream & Butter: While maintaining low heat on the skillet, stir in the heavy cream and cook for about one minute to blend the creaminess into the pasta evenly. Then remove from heat.
  6. Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the salted butter and parmesan cheese until they are fully melted and combined, enriching the sauce with buttery and cheesy flavor.
  7. Serve & Enjoy: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added brightness and a little kick.

Notes

  • Use salted butter as indicated to balance seasoning; reduce added salt if using unsalted butter.
  • If preferred, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • Adjust the amount of chicken broth depending on how saucy you want the pasta.
  • For a richer flavor, freshly grate the parmesan cheese rather than using pre-grated.
  • This dish is best served immediately as it thickens upon standing.

Keywords: one-pan pasta, butter parmesan pasta, creamy pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, Italian pasta, ditalini pasta

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