Creamy One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta
This Creamy One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta is a quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dinner made with simple pantry staples. The pasta cooks right in a silky, cheesy sauce for maximum flavor and minimal clean-up—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces (340g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon/10g)
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (about 85g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional, about 1/8 teaspoon)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Mince the garlic, grate the Parmesan, and measure out the milk and broth.
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt until just bubbling. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Lay the pasta flat in the pan. Pour in the milk and broth. If needed, break pasta in half to fit. Use tongs to separate noodles and ensure they’re mostly submerged.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Simmer, stirring every 2 minutes, for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed. Add more broth or milk if needed.
- Remove from heat. Add grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir vigorously until cheese melts and sauce is glossy and creamy. Adjust sauce consistency with a splash of milk if too thick, or let sit if too runny.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more cheese, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Stir in greens or peas now if using, and cook for 1-2 minutes until just wilted.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately for best creaminess.
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and whole milk. Adjust salt carefully, as Parmesan and broth can be salty. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating leftovers to restore creaminess. For gluten-free, use GF pasta and broth. Add veggies or protein for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 54
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 16
Keywords: one-pan pasta, creamy pasta, butter parmesan pasta, easy dinner, family meal, weeknight pasta, comfort food, Italian pasta, skillet pasta