Rich One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta

The pantry held a box of ditalini, a block of Parmesan, and a small carton of cream. As the light streamed into the kitchen, I decided to build a meal that would feel both indulgent and simple a silky, buttery pasta cooked all in one pan.
The first swirl of garlic in olive oil filled the air with a rich aroma that made the kitchen feel alive.

Dinner that night started with a craving for something creamy but effortless a meal that didn’t require juggling multiple pots. I opened the pantry and spotted a small bag of ditalini pasta sitting next to a wedge of Parmesan. With a little butter and cream from the fridge, I knew exactly what to make. As the garlic began to sizzle gently in olive oil, the kitchen filled with a cozy, savory aroma that made me pause and smile.

The Rich One Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta simmered slowly in broth, soaking up flavor while I stirred occasionally, watching the sauce thicken to a velvety texture. When the butter and cheese melted together, they transformed everything into something rich and comforting like a warm bowl of simplicity done right.

A sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley on top completed the moment. When the butter melted into the mixture, it coated every piece of pasta in golden silk. Each spoonful promised comfort creamy, savory, and perfectly seasoned.

Short Description

Creamy, garlicky, and full of buttery Parmesan flavor, this one pan pasta comes for a quick dinner that feels special without the cleanup.

Key Ingredients

• 1½ cups dry ditalini pasta
• 2½–3 cups chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 3–4 tablespoons salted butter
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional toppings: fresh parsley, red pepper flakes

Tools Needed

• Large non stick skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle
• Cheese grater

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 2: Toast the Pasta

Add the dry ditalini pasta and stir well to coat it in the garlic and oil. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the pasta.

Step 3: Simmer in Broth

Pour in chicken broth just until the pasta is covered. Simmer for 9–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and a small amount of broth remains.

Step 4: Add the Cream

Uncover and pour in the heavy cream. Stir for about 1 minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Finish with Butter and Cheese

Remove from heat. Stir in butter and Parmesan until melted and smooth. The sauce should cling to the pasta, creamy and glossy.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to bowls, then top with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or red pepper flakes. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only one pan to clean minimal mess, maximum flavor.

Creamy and satisfying without being overly heavy.

Ready in just 20 minutes.

Perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Flexible base recipe easy to customize with veggies or protein.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Burning the garlic.
Solution: Sauté on low heat and stir constantly. Garlic should turn fragrant, not brown.

Mistake 2: Too much or too little liquid.
Solution: Add broth gradually. If it dries out too quickly, add ¼ cup more until the pasta is tender.

Mistake 3: Lumpy or greasy sauce.
Solution: Stir in the butter and cheese off the heat to ensure smooth melting.

Mistake 4: Undercooked pasta.
Solution: Simmer covered and check tenderness around 9 minutes before finishing.

Mistake 5: Bland flavor.
Solution: Season each stage broth, cream, and final taste test to balance richness.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve as a main dish with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.

Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or seared mushrooms for added protein.

Enjoy with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Present family style in a large skillet for a cozy dinner setup.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the sauce from separating.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes. Short pasta like elbow, penne, or small shells works perfectly. Adjust cooking time slightly.

2. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

3. How can I make it lighter?
Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.

4. Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Stir in spinach, peas, or broccoli near the end of cooking for added texture and color.

5. How do I make it extra creamy?
Add 1 more tablespoon of butter and a splash of cream right before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.

Stir continuously when adding butter and cheese to avoid clumps.

Toasting pasta in oil adds a nutty depth to the flavor.

Keep heat low while finishing with cream and butter to prevent curdling.

Garnish right before serving to keep herbs fresh and vibrant.

Recipe Variations

Chicken Butter Parmesan Pasta:
Add 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken in Step 5 for extra protein and heartiness.

Garlic Shrimp Version:
Sauté ½ pound shrimp with garlic before adding pasta; remove and add back before serving.

Spinach and Mushroom Variation:
Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms in Step 1 and stir in fresh spinach in Step 5 until wilted.

Lemon Herb Twist:
Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 1 tablespoon fresh basil for a bright, fresh flavor.

Spicy Version:
Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes during Step 1 for a mild heat.

Final Thoughts

Cooking this pasta felt like creating comfort from simplicity. Each ingredient came together with ease no rush, no stress, just creamy satisfaction in every bite. The garlic built the base, the butter finished the richness, and the Parmesan tied everything into harmony.

What started as a quick one pan meal turned into something that feels like a hug on a plate. Butter Parmesan Pasta so special: humble, delicious, and always worth savoring warm from the skillet.