One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta

$To make One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta, you need these ingredients: - 400g spaghetti or your favorite pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice) - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving) - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients are simple and easy to find. They blend well to create a rich flavor. You can add more fun flavors to your pasta: - Zest of 1 lemon for a fresh touch - Cooked chicken or shrimp for protein - Spinach or kale for extra greens - Olives for a salty kick These add-ins can make your dish unique. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. To cook this dish, you will need: - A large pot or Dutch oven - A wooden spoon for stirring - A knife for chopping garlic and tomatoes - A measuring cup for broth and cheese These tools will help you cook smoothly. They are common in most kitchens and easy to use. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. I love using unsalted butter for this recipe. It gives me more control over the salt. Once the butter melts, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir them for about one to two minutes. You want to smell that garlic! Just be careful not to burn it. Next, pour in the vegetable broth. Bring it to a simmer. Now, add your spaghetti and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir everything well. Cover the pot and cook for about ten to twelve minutes. Stir occasionally. The pasta should be al dente, and most of the broth should be absorbed. After cooking, take the pot off the heat. Stir in fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest if you like. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well to ensure each bite is tasty! Serve the pasta in bowls and top with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and fresh basil for a beautiful look. To boost flavor in your One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil adds a sweet, aromatic touch. You can also include lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note. If you enjoy spice, add more red pepper flakes. Just be careful not to overdo it; a little goes a long way. One common mistake is burning the garlic. Watch it closely as it cooks. If it turns brown, it can taste bitter. Also, don’t skip stirring the pasta while it cooks. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. Finally, avoid using too much broth. You want the pasta to absorb the liquid for the best flavor. If you use a different type of pasta, adjust the cooking time. Thinner pasta cooks faster, while thicker pasta takes longer. Always check the package for timing. Start with the recommended time and taste the pasta. It should be al dente, meaning firm but not hard. If you need more time, add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Pro Tips Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your pasta dish largely depends on the quality of the ingredients. Opt for fresh garlic, high-quality pasta, and good Parmesan for the best results. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. You can always add more spice at the table if desired. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. It should be al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it, ensuring it doesn't become mushy. Add Freshness with Herbs: Fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma and flavor. Consider adding other herbs like parsley or thyme for a different twist. {{image_2}} You can add protein to make this dish heartier. Cooked chicken works well. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Toss it in with the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking. Shrimp is another great choice. Use fresh or frozen shrimp. If frozen, add them in the last five minutes of cooking. This way, they will cook perfectly and absorb that garlic butter flavor. For a vegetarian twist, try adding more veggies. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers brighten up the dish. You can use about 1 to 2 cups of chopped vegetables. Add them at the same time as the pasta. This way, they cook evenly. For added protein, toss in chickpeas. They bring a nice texture and flavor. Use one can, drained and rinsed. You don’t have to stick to spaghetti. Any pasta shape can work here. Penne, fusilli, or linguine all taste great. Just remember that cooking times may vary. Check the package for specific cooking instructions. This will ensure your pasta is cooked just right. You can even try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for healthier options. Just adjust the liquid slightly if you use gluten-free pasta, as it may absorb liquid differently. To keep your One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta fresh, allow it to cool. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date for easy tracking. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, heat them gently. You can use a microwave or a pan on the stove. If using a microwave, cover the dish loosely to prevent splattering. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If using a pan, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to keep it moist. Stir until warm. If you want to freeze your pasta dish, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as pasta can expand. It will keep well in the freezer for up to two months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta. Look for brands that fit your taste. Cook times may change, so check the package for guidance. Gluten-free pasta can cook faster or slower. Just stir often to avoid clumping. To add heat, use more red pepper flakes. Start with one extra teaspoon. You can also add sliced fresh chilies or a dash of hot sauce. Mix well and taste as you go. Remember, spice builds up over time, so start slow. This dish pairs well with a crisp salad. A side of garlic bread adds a nice touch too. You might enjoy roasted veggies or grilled chicken for protein. A light dessert, like sorbet, can balance the meal. In this post, we explored the key ingredients and tools for making One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you cook with ease. We discussed tips to enhance flavor, avoid mistakes, and variations to mix things up. Don't forget how to store your leftovers and reheat them properly. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. You can create a delicious meal that suits your taste. Enjoy your time in the kitchen!$

One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta

A quick and easy pasta dish cooked in one pot with garlic, butter, and fresh ingredients.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

400 g spaghetti or your favorite pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste Salt and pepper
1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until the garlic is fragrant (about 1-2 minutes), being careful not to burn it.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer.
Add the spaghetti and cherry tomatoes to the pot, stirring to combine.
Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest (if using).
Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Notes

Serve garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for a beautiful presentation.

Keyword butter, garlic, one pot, pasta, quick meal