Name: One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine recommended); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup milk or heavy cream; 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: chopped parsley, red pepper flakes

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One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish made with just a few ingredients and one single pan. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when I want something satisfying but don’t feel like dealing with a pile of dishes. Simple, rich, and ready in under 30 minutes, this pasta is always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this pasta comes together with pantry staples but still tastes indulgent and full of flavor. The butter and parmesan melt into a silky, savory sauce that coats every bite. Since everything cooks in one pan, cleanup is quick and easy. It’s a cozy dish I can throw together on a busy night, and I never get tired of it.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta (I usually use spaghetti or fettuccine)
Butter
Garlic, minced
Chicken or vegetable broth
Milk or heavy cream
Grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Optional: parsley for garnish, red pepper flakes for heat

Directions

I start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
I add the uncooked pasta, broth, and milk to the pan, making sure the noodles are mostly covered.
I bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook uncovered for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, I stir in the grated parmesan until it melts and forms a creamy sauce.
I season the pasta with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want a little heat.
I serve it hot with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 3–4 people and takes around 25 minutes total—just 5 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook. It’s perfect for a quick and comforting dinner.

Variations

Sometimes I toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms to make it a more complete meal. For a bit of freshness, I’ve added spinach or peas at the end. I also swap the milk for heavy cream if I want a richer sauce or use whole wheat pasta when I want something a bit heartier.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and warm it over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. It comes back creamy and delicious every time.

FAQs

Can I use any type of pasta?

Yes, I’ve made this with spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine, and even penne. Just keep an eye on the liquid and cooking time—shorter pasta shapes may cook a bit faster.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Freshly grated parmesan melts best and gives the sauce a smooth, nutty flavor. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well and can make the sauce grainy.

Can I make this dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, I use plant-based butter and unsweetened almond milk, then swap in a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The flavor is slightly different but still creamy and satisfying.

Do I need to cook the pasta separately?

Nope! That’s the beauty of this recipe. The pasta cooks right in the pan with the sauce, soaking up all the flavor and making cleanup super easy.

Can I freeze this pasta?

I don’t usually freeze it because creamy sauces can separate when thawed, but it keeps well in the fridge for a few days and reheats beautifully with a bit of extra liquid.

Conclusion

One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is a simple, flavorful dish that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. I love how fast and flexible it is, and the creamy parmesan sauce always hits the spot. It’s a go-to recipe that never lets me down—especially on busy nights when I just need something warm and satisfying.