Can I use a different pasta shape if I don’t have shellbow?

Absolutely! Any short pasta—like penne, rotini, or fusilli—works well. The key is to choose a shape that holds onto that beautiful garlic butter sauce.

What if I’m out of half and half?

No worries. You can use a mixture of whole milk and heavy cream, or just whole milk if that’s what you have. It will be slightly less rich, but still delicious.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Not as written—it uses chicken broth and bouillon. However, a quick swap for vegetable broth and bouillon turns it vegetarian without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats beautifully. Just store it in the fridge, and add a bit of extra milk or broth to restore creaminess when warming it up.

Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Name: Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 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; 4 tablespoons butter, divided; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 3/4 cups chicken broth; 3/4 cup half and half; 1 teaspoon soy sauce; 1/2 chicken bouillon cube; 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/2 lb. shellbow pasta (or substitute with any short pasta of choice)

If there’s one recipe that should be kept in every busy home cook’s weeknight arsenal, it’s this Garlic Butter Pasta. Think of silky, perfectly coated pasta shells infused with layers of buttery, garlicky flavor, finished with a hint of brightness from fresh lemon and heaps of melty Parmesan. It comes together in about 30 minutes using a single pot—ideal for those evenings when you crave something cozy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying without spending ages in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy: There’s no complicated prep or fussy steps here—just measure, simmer, and stir. Anyone can pull this together, even on their most harried weeknight.
Unbeatable Flavor: The blend of fresh garlic, herbs, butter, and Parmesan cheese is simply irresistible. Every bite delivers a gorgeous mix of creaminess, umami, and an uplifting citrus zing.
Family-Friendly: This pasta is always a hit, from picky kids to discerning adults, and you can tweak the seasonings so everyone gets something they love.
One Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and no fuss with multiple pans. Everything melds beautifully in a single pot for maximum flavor and minimum effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Highlighting the purpose of every ingredient so you know exactly what magic you’re adding to your pot:

Butter: The foundation of the dish; creates richness and binds all the flavors together. Divided use adds a final, luscious sheen at the end.
Fresh Garlic: Don’t even think about skipping this—freshly minced garlic infuses every drop of butter for next-level aroma and flavor.
Dried Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Thyme: Essential herbs that bring savory depth and classic Italian flair.
Mustard Powder: A secret powerhouse—it sharpens the flavors, balancing the richness.
Onion Powder and Black Pepper: These round out the taste, adding warmth and subtle complexity.
Chicken Broth: Provides the cooking liquid for the pasta and infuses everything with savory, slow-cooked flavor.
Half and Half: Creates a creamy sauce without being too heavy—milk or cream can be used if you like.
Soy Sauce: Surprising but essential; just a splash for umami and savory intensity.
Chicken Bouillon Cube: Bumps up the flavor of the sauce. If you’re vegetarian, swap for veggie bouillon.
Parmesan Cheese: Always grate fresh! It actually melts and creates a smooth, clinging sauce.
Fresh Lemon Juice: A little acidity brightens the rich, buttery sauce, making the whole dish pop.
Shellbow Pasta: Holds the sauce in every nook and cranny, but feel free to use any short pasta you have.

Tip: Measure out your ingredients before starting so everything is ready to add when you need it—this recipe moves quickly!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Feel free to let your mood and pantry inspire you:

Vegetarian Spin: Swap chicken broth and bouillon for vegetable versions. Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for color and flavor.
Protein Boost: Stir in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or sautéed mushrooms for extra substance.
Cheese Lovers: Mix in a little mozzarella or Asiago alongside the Parmesan for a deluxe sauce.
Spicy Kick: Crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil can turn up the heat beautifully.
Vegan-Friendly: Use vegan butter, omit or swap the cheese for nutritional yeast, and choose plant-based cream options.

How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta

Step 1: Prep Seasonings and Ingredients

Combine all the dried herbs and spices in a small bowl. Have your butter, garlic, broth, half and half, soy sauce, bouillon cube, and cheese ready—this is a quick-cooking recipe, so prep is key.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic with Spices

In a large soup pot, gently melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and your seasoning blend. Stir constantly for about a minute until fragrant and the butter begins to foam.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Base

Pour in the chicken broth, half and half, soy sauce, and crumble in the half bouillon cube. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Pasta

When the liquid boils, add the shellbow pasta. Return to a gentle boil and cook uncovered, stirring often so the pasta doesn’t stick. Let the pasta absorb all the incredible flavors as it softens—taste for doneness before moving on.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add freshly grated Parmesan, stirring steadily so it melts into a velvety sauce. Switch off the heat and stir in the lemon juice for brightness.

Step 6: The Final Touch

Add the last tablespoon of butter, cover the pot, and let it melt for a minute. Gently fold it in before serving for a glossy finish.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rush the Garlic: Sauté gently for flavor, but watch closely—burned garlic will ruin the dish.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese just doesn’t melt as well, so grate it right before using.
Taste as You Go: Especially with salt—Parmesan, broth, and bouillon all bring saltiness, so go easy at first.
Keep Stirring: Pasta loves to stick, so give things a regular stir, scraping the bottom as you go.
Add Lemon Last: Heat can dull citrus flavor, so always stir in the juice at the end.

How to Serve

This Garlic Butter Pasta is versatile enough to be the star or a supporting player on your dinner table.

As the Main Dish: Serve big bowls, topped with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Tasty Sides: Pair with a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette and some crusty bread to mop up the buttery sauce.
For Heartier Meals: Add roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or shrimp right on top for added bulk and color.
Party-Perfect: Set out as part of a buffet—everyone loves silky, cheesy pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce stays creamy and flavorful, absorbing even more goodness overnight.

Freezing

Pasta dishes like this can be frozen, but the sauce may become a bit grainy when thawed. If needed, freeze in a sealed container for up to one month. Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to loosen things up.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth, or use the microwave, stirring every minute until hot and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape if I don’t have shellbow?

Absolutely! Any short pasta—like penne, rotini, or fusilli—works well. The key is to choose a shape that holds onto that beautiful garlic butter sauce.
What if I’m out of half and half?

No worries. You can use a mixture of whole milk and heavy cream, or just whole milk if that’s what you have. It will be slightly less rich, but still delicious.
Is this recipe vegetarian?

Not as written—it uses chicken broth and bouillon. However, a quick swap for vegetable broth and bouillon turns it vegetarian without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats beautifully. Just store it in the fridge, and add a bit of extra milk or broth to restore creaminess when warming it up.

Final Thoughts

When dinner needs to be quick, comforting, and downright delicious, Garlic Butter Pasta is the answer every home cook dreams of. With simple ingredients and an easy, one-pot method, it delivers restaurant flavor in your own kitchen—even on your busiest night. Give it a try, play with the flavors, and don’t be surprised if you make it again (and again). Enjoy every luscious, garlicky bite!