There’s something magical about a dish that comes together in a single pan. Fewer dishes, less fuss, and all the flavor? Yes, please! This One Pan Garlic & Herb Pasta is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas. It’s creamy, garlicky, and packed with fresh herbs, making every bite an absolute delight. Trust me, you’re going to love this easy and flavorful meal!
Why You’ll Love One Pan Garlic & Herb Pasta
Versatile
This dish works for any occasion—whether you’re craving a quick solo dinner, feeding the family, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Budget-Friendly
Made with pantry staples and fresh herbs, this recipe keeps costs low while delivering big on taste.
Quick and Easy
One pan means minimal prep and cleanup, making it perfect for busy days when you need something delicious in a flash.
Customizable
Switch up the herbs, add protein, or toss in extra veggies—this pasta adapts to your taste and ingredients on hand.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta
The foundation of the dish. Choose your favorite pasta shape to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Garlic
Fresh garlic brings out a rich, aromatic depth. Minced or sliced, it’s the heart of the dish.
Herbs
A mix of fresh and dried herbs enhances the flavor. Think basil, parsley, oregano, or thyme.
Butter & Olive Oil
The perfect combination for a silky, flavorful sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
Parmesan Cheese
A touch of cheesy goodness to bring everything together.
Broth
Adds extra depth of flavor while keeping the pasta moist and perfectly cooked.
Red Pepper Flakes
For a little heat—totally optional but highly recommended!
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment
Heat a large pan over medium heat. A wide, deep skillet works best to cook everything evenly.
Sauté Garlic
Add butter and olive oil to the pan. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add Pasta & Broth
Pour in the broth and add the pasta directly into the pan. Stir to coat everything evenly.
Simmer Until Tender
Cover and let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, until it absorbs most of the liquid and reaches your desired texture.
Stir in Herbs & Cheese
Remove from heat and mix in the fresh herbs and Parmesan. The heat will melt the cheese and create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Dish out warm, garnished with extra herbs and cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve One Pan Garlic & Herb Pasta
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or some warm garlic bread for the ultimate meal. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost!
Additional Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
- For a richer taste, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat with a little broth to revive the sauce.
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes! Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary.
Can I make this dairy-free? Absolutely. Swap the butter for extra olive oil and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe? Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli works well.
Can I add protein to this dish? Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon are great options.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How can I make this spicier? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Dried herbs work too—just use about half the amount.
Can I use water instead of broth? You can, but broth adds more flavor. If using water, add extra seasoning.
What other cheeses can I use? Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even mozzarella can be delicious alternatives.
Is this recipe kid-friendly? Yes! Just adjust the garlic and spice levels to suit their taste.
Conclusion
This One Pan Garlic & Herb Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish for any occasion, this pasta is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it out and let me know how it turns out!
Print
One Pan Garlic & Herb Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One Pan Garlic & Herb Pasta is an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish that comes together in no time with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti works best)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional for added freshness)
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the pasta to the pan and stir to coat it in the garlic and oil.
- Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Squeeze in lemon juice for extra flavor, if desired.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- You can swap out the pasta for gluten-free or whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Add some cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Keep an eye on the liquid level while cooking to avoid burning, and add extra broth if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg