One Pan Garlic And Herb Pasta Recipe

Savory One Pan Garlic And Herb Pasta Recipe Everyone Will Love

Whipping up a delightful one pan garlic and herb pasta feels like culinary magic for busy home cooks.

Simple ingredients dance together in a single skillet, creating incredible flavor without complicated cleanup.

Fragrant herbs and robust garlic infuse each tender noodle with mouthwatering goodness.

Mediterranean traditions inspire this quick and effortless meal that comes together in minutes.

Minimal dishes and maximum satisfaction define this smart cooking approach.

Hungry souls will adore how quickly this recipe solves dinner dilemmas.

Savor every delicious bite and let your kitchen become a playground of delectable simplicity.

Why One Pan Garlic Herb Pasta Tastes Amazing

  • Simplify Cooking: Create a delicious meal using just one pan, reducing cleanup and kitchen stress while maximizing flavor.
  • Quick Comfort Food: Prepare a satisfying dinner with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps that deliver maximum taste and warmth.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Combines hearty sausage, creamy cheeses, and herbs into a crowd-favorite dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when you want a delightful meal without complicated cooking techniques.

Ingredients for One Pan Garlic Herb Pasta

For the Protein:
  • Smoked Sausages: Flavorful meat that adds a rich, smoky taste to the pasta dish.
For the Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide a robust and savory base that enhances the overall flavor profile of the recipe.
For the Dairy:
  • Butter: Creates a rich and smooth texture, helping to coat the pasta.
  • Garlic and Herb Cheese Spread, Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Add creaminess and a tangy, herbal dimension to the dish.
For the Base:
  • Pasta: The main component that serves as the foundation of the one-pan meal.
For the Liquid:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor while cooking the pasta.
For the Cooking:
  • Oil: Helps prevent sticking and facilitates even cooking of the sausages and onions.

Directions for One Pan Garlic Herb Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage and Onions

Grab a large skillet and slice the smoked sausages into mouth-watering rounds. Chop the onions into tiny pieces.

Drizzle some olive oil into the pan and heat it up over medium flame. Toss in the sausage and onions, letting them dance and sizzle until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 2: Wake Up the Garlic

Sprinkle the minced garlic into the pan. Stir quickly for about 60 seconds until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that makes everyone’s stomach growl.

Step 3: Butter Up the Pasta

Drop a chunk of butter into the sizzling pan and watch it melt into a silky pool. Add the pasta and swirl it around, coating every single noodle with buttery goodness.

Step 4: Simmer and Soak

Pour in the chicken broth, covering the pasta completely. Pop a lid on the pan and let everything bubble away.

Stir occasionally and cook for 7-8 minutes until the pasta becomes tender and most of the liquid disappears.

Step 5: Cheese Paradise

Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, dollop in the garlic and herb cheese spread.

Let it melt into dreamy rivers throughout the dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and luxurious.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Scoop the steaming pasta onto plates and get ready for a flavor explosion. Enjoy every single bite of this one-pan wonder!

Smart Tips for One Pan Garlic Herb Pasta

  • Select smoked sausage with robust flavor to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Watch broth absorption carefully to prevent pasta from becoming too dry or too soupy during cooking.
  • Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to achieve smooth, creamy texture without clumping.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving to add brightness and extra flavor.
  • Use reduced-sodium chicken broth if watching salt intake, which helps control overall dish's saltiness.

Creative Takes on Garlic Herb Pasta Dish

  • Spicy Kick Pasta: Replace smoked sausage with spicy chorizo and add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Mediterranean Style: Swap sausage for diced chicken, add sun-dried tomatoes, and use feta cheese instead of Parmesan.
  • Vegetarian Herb Feast: Substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini, use vegetable broth, and add fresh basil at the end.
  • Seafood Fusion: Replace sausage with shrimp or crab meat, use white wine instead of broth, and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

Best Matches for Garlic Herb Pasta Dinner

  • Sausage Symphony Pairing: Opt for a crisp, hoppy pilsner that cuts through the rich, creamy pasta. The beer's light carbonation refreshes the palate between each cheesy bite.
  • Herbal Wine Companion: Select a medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc with grassy notes that complement the herb-infused cheese and sausage. Its bright acidity balances the dish's richness.
  • Rustic Side Kick: Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens and tangy dressing provide a perfect counterpoint to the creamy, indulgent pasta.
  • Crusty Bread Bonus: Add a slice of crusty sourdough bread to soak up the extra sauce. Its slightly tangy flavor and crunchy texture enhance the overall dining experience.

How to Store Garlic Herb Pasta Well

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.

Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, seal, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.

Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir frequently until heated through and creamy.

Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent moisture loss. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne or rotini are ideal because they absorb the broth and cheese sauce well and hold onto the flavors effectively.

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Andouille, Italian, or even turkey sausage can work great, just ensure they’re pre-cooked and sliced before adding to the pan.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or use a spicy sausage if you want to increase the heat level.

  • Do I need to drain the pasta?

No, this is a one-pan recipe where the pasta cooks directly in the chicken broth, absorbing the liquid and creating a creamy sauce simultaneously.

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One Pan Garlic And Herb Pasta Recipe

One Pan Garlic And Herb Pasta Recipe


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4.5 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Pasta lovers rejoice with this one pan garlic and herb pasta, where Mediterranean flavors dance together in a simple, elegant symphony. Creamy, aromatic, and packed with fresh herbs, this dish delivers comfort and excitement in every delightful bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 2 smoked sausages, sliced
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) garlic and herb cheese spread
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic

Liquids, Fats, and Pasta:

  • 2 tablespoons oil (for sauteing)
  • 1/2 stick (1/4 cup or 56 grams) butter
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (any variety)
  • 32 ounces (946 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, sear sliced smoked sausages and diced onions over medium-high heat until they develop a rich golden-brown color, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  2. Introduce minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence while preventing burning.
  3. Melt butter into the sausage mixture, ensuring even coating and creating a flavorful base for the pasta.
  4. Add uncooked pasta directly into the skillet, gently tossing to incorporate with the butter and meat mixture.
  5. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged. Cover and simmer at medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking.
  6. When pasta reaches al dente texture and liquid reduces significantly, incorporate garlic and herb cheese spread, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
  7. Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the dish, folding gently to create a creamy, luxurious consistency.
  8. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Notes

  • Easily substitute smoked sausage with turkey sausage, plant-based sausage, or skip meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-fat cheese to make this dish more heart-healthy and diet-friendly.
  • Stir pasta frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even liquid absorption for perfectly cooked noodles.
  • Add fresh chopped parsley or basil at the end for a burst of fresh flavor and extra nutritional boost.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 630 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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