Description

This delicious Garlic Butter Pasta is a creamy, savory one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender shellbow pasta with a blend of aromatic herbs, garlic-infused butter, and a rich Parmesan cheese sauce enhanced by a touch of lemon, this recipe is quick to prepare and serves six people. The dish requires minimal cleanup and delivers comforting flavors with every bite.

Ingredients

Spices & Seasonings

¾ teaspoon dried basil
¾ teaspoon dried oregano
¾ teaspoon dried parsley
¾ teaspoon mustard powder
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Wet Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter (divided)
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 ¾ cups chicken broth
¾ cup half and half
1 teaspoon soy sauce
½ chicken bouillon cube
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Dry Ingredients

½ lb. shellbow pasta
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Prepare Seasonings and Ingredients: Combine dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder, thyme, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl and set aside. Measure and prepare all remaining ingredients to have them ready, as the cooking process moves quickly.
Sauté Garlic and Spices: In a soup pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and the combined seasonings. Stir continuously to infuse the butter with the garlic and spices until it begins to foam.
Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and add the half chicken bouillon cube. Stir to combine the flavors well.
Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the shellbow pasta. Return to a gentle boil and cook uncovered following the pasta package instructions. Use a silicone spatula periodically to scrape the bottom of the pot and prevent pasta from sticking. taste the pasta toward the end of cooking to check for doneness.
Incorporate Cheese and Lemon: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.
Finish with Butter: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pasta and cover the pot to allow the butter to melt completely. Gently stir the melted butter into the pasta and serve immediately, enjoying the creamy garlic butter sauce coating every piece of pasta.

Notes

Shellbow pasta is a small, shell-shaped pasta that holds sauce well; you can substitute with small shells or elbow macaroni if unavailable.
Stirring the pasta throughout cooking prevents it from sticking and ensures even cooking.
Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially salt, since both chicken broth and bouillon add saltiness.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor; pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth and bouillon with vegetable broth and omit the soy sauce if strict vegetarian.