If you dream of a weeknight meal that’s easy, flavorful, and leaves almost no cleanup, look no further than One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta. Imagine perfectly al dente noodles simmered directly in a bath of savory broth, aromatic garlic, and classic Italian herbs—no need to boil water separately or dirty extra pots. This pasta comes together beautifully in just one pan, resulting in creamy, garlicky goodness that feels both comforting and a little bit fancy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta is about to become your new go-to recipe for busy evenings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta shine is its straightforward but thoughtful ingredient list. Each addition brings a burst of flavor or a touch of luxury, working together to create an irresistibly comforting dish. Gather these pantry staples and a few fresh touches for pasta perfection.
- Spaghetti or Linguine (12 oz): The heart of the dish—these long noodles soak up every ounce of herby, garlicky broth.
- Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth (4 cups): Infuses the pasta with savory depth and ensures everything cooks together in a single pan.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): The base that smooths out the garlic and helps marry all the flavors beautifully.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): For an aromatic punch—use fresh for the absolute best flavor.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Delivers a classic Italian backdrop with its bold, earthy notes.
- Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a slightly minty, peppery complexity to the pasta.
- Dried Basil (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and balance to the herby mix.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A touch of heat for those who like their pasta with a little zing.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and pulling all the flavors together.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to add warmth without overpowering the herbs.
- Parmesan Cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Melts into the pasta for creamy, salty richness—grate your own if possible!
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Swirled in at the end for a luscious, glossy finish.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons): Brightens up each bowl both visually and with fresh flavor.
- Lemon Zest (optional, for brightness): A sprinkle wakes everything up and adds a touch of sunshine.
How to Make One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by warming that olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. As soon as the oil shimmers, toss in the freshly minced garlic. Stir it gently and let the magic happen for 1 to 2 minutes—the goal is a golden fragrance filling your kitchen, not browned garlic. This step sets the stage for everything that follows, so keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Once your garlic is just right, add the spaghetti (break in half if needed to fit), pour in all the broth, and sprinkle in the oregano, thyme, basil, a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to ensure the pasta isn’t sticking together and all those lovely herbs are swirling throughout the liquid.
Step 3: Simmer the Pasta
Bring the pan to a lively boil, then immediately drop the heat to a simmer. Let the One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta gently bubble away, uncovered, for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to separate the noodles and help them cook evenly. You’re looking for the pasta to be tender but still have a touch of bite, and most of the liquid should be absorbed into creamy, herby glory.
Step 4: Add Creamy Goodness
With the heat off, stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as they melt and transform the herbed pasta water into a velvety, flavorful sauce. Let the pan sit off the heat for a couple of minutes to thicken up perfectly—a little patience here brings a luxurious final texture.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Now’s the time to make your One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta look as good as it tastes. Toss on plenty of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If you’re a fan of bright flavors, sprinkle on some lemon zest for a little zip. Serve the pasta warm and get ready for rave reviews.
How to Serve One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a shower of chopped parsley bring restaurant flair in seconds. Lemon zest is a secret weapon for brightness if you want to lift the flavors even more—just grate a little over each plate right before serving. For a finishing touch, add a splash of extra-virgin olive oil or a twist of freshly cracked black pepper.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully versatile, but a simple green salad with a zingy vinaigrette, crusty garlic bread, or even roasted veggies make perfect partners. The herby pasta loves sidekicks that offer texture and color without competing for the spotlight. If you want a heartier meal, a plate of grilled chicken or shrimp on the side works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, plate One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta in shallow bowls, nestle in roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms, and finish with a handful of microgreens for a chef-level touch. You can also spiral the noodles with tongs before serving for that just-so look. If serving family style, pile the pasta high on a big platter and let everyone dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta keep well for up to three days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will continue to absorb some of the sauce as it sits, making it even more flavorful the next day!
Freezing
While you can freeze this pasta, the texture may change slightly, especially if you use a lot of cheese. If you do choose to freeze, portion the cooled pasta into microwave-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, splash a bit of broth or water over the pasta and warm gently over low heat on the stove, stirring often, until heated through. In a pinch, microwaving with a cover works too; just be sure not to overheat and dry out the noodles.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta for One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that gluten-free pasta can cook a little faster and absorb liquid differently. Check for doneness a few minutes earlier, and add extra broth if needed to prevent sticking.
What proteins can I add to make this a full meal?
If you’d like to bulk up your One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms in the last few minutes of cooking. Even canned white beans work for a vegetarian boost.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Simply skip the Parmesan cheese and butter, and finish instead with an extra drizzle of high-quality olive oil. This keeps the pasta luscious and creamy without the dairy.
What’s the best way to get creamy sauce without adding cream?
The magic of this dish is that the pasta cooks right in the flavorful broth; as the starches release, they create a naturally creamy sauce—no heavy cream needed! Just stir well when you add the butter and cheese at the end.
How do I keep the garlic from burning?
The secret is to sauté the garlic over medium heat and keep it moving. As soon as it’s fragrant and just barely golden, move on to the next step. If you like, you can add it with the broth and pasta instead, for a subtler flavor and zero chance of burning.
Final Thoughts
There’s something extra satisfying about transforming such simple ingredients into a meal that tastes like pure comfort—especially when all you need is one pan. Give this One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta a try the next time you want a quick weeknight win or a cozy bowl of noodles with maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
Print
One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. With simple ingredients like garlic, herbs, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon, this creamy pasta is a perfect easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
12 oz,
Vegetable Broth (or Chicken Broth):
4 cups,
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon,
Garlic (minced):
4 cloves,
Dried Oregano:
1 teaspoon,
Dried Thyme:
1/2 teaspoon,
Dried Basil:
1/2 teaspoon,
Red Pepper Flakes (optional):
1/4 teaspoon,
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon,
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon,
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup,
Butter:
2 tablespoons,
Fresh Parsley (chopped for garnish):
2 tablespoons,
Lemon Zest (optional, for brightness):
as needed
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Ingredients: Add spaghetti, broth, oregano, thyme, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Finish Dish: Stir in butter and Parmesan until creamy. Let sit to thicken. Garnish with parsley and lemon zest.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier meal.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese and butter and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
