Description

This creamy Garlic Butter Pasta combines aromatic herbs, rich Parmesan cheese, and a luscious butter sauce for an easy and comforting meal. Using a simple stovetop method, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that serves six, featuring tender shellbow pasta simmered in a flavorful broth and finished with fresh lemon juice for a bright, savory touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Seasonings

3/4 teaspoon dried basil
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon dried parsley
3/4 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Butter and Garlic

4 tablespoons butter, divided
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Liquids and Broth

2 3/4 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup half and half
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 chicken bouillon cube

Cheese and Citrus

3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Pasta

1/2 lb. shellbow pasta (or substitute with any short pasta of choice)

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Instructions

Prep and Measure Ingredients: Gather all the seasonings and measure out all recipe components before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Combine Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix dried basil, oregano, parsley, mustard powder, thyme, onion powder, and pepper and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Herbs: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and prepared seasonings, stirring continuously until fragrant and the butter begins to foam, releasing all the herb and garlic flavors.
Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and add the half chicken bouillon cube. Stir everything together and increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook Pasta: Once the liquid is boiling, add the shellbow pasta. Keep the pot at a gentle boil, cooking uncovered about 8-10 minutes or according to package instructions. Stir occasionally with a silicone spatula to prevent sticking and check the texture to ensure the pasta is al dente.
Finish the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts fully into a creamy sauce. Remove from heat and mix in fresh lemon juice for a bright flavor contrast.
Add Final Touches and Serve: Place the remaining 1 tablespoon butter on top of the pasta, cover briefly to melt it, then gently stir the butter through the pasta. Serve hot with optional extra Parmesan or fresh herbs as garnish.

Notes

Using fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan significantly enhances flavor.
Stir pasta frequently to avoid sticking and uneven cooking.
Adjust herbs and lemon juice to taste based on preferred flavor intensity.
This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Shellbow pasta can be substituted with any short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni.
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth and bouillon with vegetable broth and bouillon.