Name: One Pot Garlic Butter Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or your choice); 4 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup spinach; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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I like quick meals that still taste good. I started making ONE POT Garlic Butter Pasta when weeknights were busy and I had little time to cook. It works when I need a hot meal fast. It also works when I want something simple with few dishes to wash.

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I learned to keep the steps small. I use one pot and basic store ingredients. The dish came in handy after long work days and on nights when I did not want to plan a large meal. It saves time and lets me eat something warm and filling without extra work.

This is a simple pasta made in one pot with butter, garlic, tomatoes, and spinach. The taste is rich from butter and garlic, with a bright hit from the tomatoes and a gentle green note from the spinach. You get comfort food in a light form. Many people make a version of this for quick dinners or for a simple lunch. If you like rich butter and garlic flavors, try the buttered lobster pasta with garlic and herbs for a fancier take on these same flavors.

Why make this recipe

This dish saves time. You cook the pasta and sauce in one pot. That cuts down dirty dishes and hands-on work. It uses few ingredients you likely have at home. The flavor is strong but clean: butter and garlic with fresh vegetables. It fits weeknight meals, packed lunches, or a quick guest plate. It is easy to scale up or down. If you want another simple seafood choice, see the one-pot creamy salmon pasta for a similar method with fish.

How to make this recipe

You melt butter and cook garlic first to release flavor. Then you add pasta and the broth so the pasta cooks in the flavored liquid. Tomatoes cook with the pasta and add some freshness. Once the pasta is nearly done, you stir in spinach so it wilts quickly. The pot holds the sauce and pasta together, so you do not need to drain or mix separate pans. Expect a little stirring and a short simmer. Finish with cheese and herbs as you like.

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (spaghetti or your choice), 4 tablespoons butter, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 cup spinach, Salt and pepper to taste, Grated Parmesan cheese (optional), Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Use regular spaghetti or any pasta you like. Butter gives the base flavor and a smooth sauce. Minced garlic adds the main aroma. Broth cooks the pasta and adds taste so you do not need extra sauce. Cherry tomatoes add brightness and a little juice. Spinach wilts fast and adds color and nutrients. Salt and pepper tune the taste. Parmesan and parsley are optional but they lift the final dish.

Directions

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add pasta, vegetable broth, cherry tomatoes, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer and cover; cook for about 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Stir in spinach until wilted.
Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes: Melting the butter and cooking the garlic first lets the oil take on the garlic flavor. Adding broth with the pasta lets the pasta absorb flavor as it cooks. Stirring a few times prevents the pasta from sticking and helps even cooking. Add the spinach last because it cooks fast and keeps bright color. Taste and adjust salt before serving.

How to serve this recipe

Serve the pasta straight from the pot while it is warm. Scoop into bowls so each person gets some tomatoes and greens. Top with grated Parmesan for a creamy touch. Add a small drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon if you want a fresh lift. Pair it with a small salad or bread to make a full meal. For a casual dinner, place bowls on the table and let people add cheese or parsley. For meal prep, cool and portion into containers for a quick lunch.

Try a different one-pot meal when you want heartier flavors or meat in the dish.

How to store this recipe

Let the pasta cool to room temperature before storing. Put it in airtight containers and place in the fridge. It will stay good for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm on the stove or in the microwave to bring back the sauce. You can freeze cooked pasta, but the texture may change a bit. If you freeze, use a freezer-safe container and eat within 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Tips to make this recipe

Use good quality butter for the best flavor. Mince garlic finely so it releases flavor quickly. Keep the heat medium to avoid burning the garlic. If the pot becomes dry while cooking, add a little more broth or water. Stir a few times so pasta cooks evenly. If tomatoes split too early, they still add flavor and liquid. Add cheese at the end to avoid it clumping while hot. Taste before serving and add salt or pepper as needed.

Variation

Swap pasta shapes if you prefer short noodles like penne or fusilli. Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer taste. Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for extra protein. Use kale instead of spinach, but cook it a bit longer so it softens. If you want a creamier dish, stir in a few tablespoons of cream or cream cheese at the end. Simple herbs like basil or oregano also work well. The method stays the same, so you can mix in what you have on hand.

FAQs

Q: Can I use dry garlic powder instead of fresh garlic? A: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if needed.

Q: Do I need to drain the pasta? A: No. The pasta cooks in the broth, so you do not drain it.

Q: Can I skip the butter? A: You can use olive oil, but the dish will taste different.

Q: Is this recipe good for kids? A: Yes. It is mild and simple, so many kids like it.

Q: How long does it take to cook? A: About 15 minutes total from start to finish.

Conclusion

This one-pot garlic butter pasta is an easy go-to for quick meals. It takes little time and few pans. You get warm pasta with bright tomatoes and soft spinach in one pot. For more ideas on similar simple recipes, see Garlic Butter Pasta (One Pot!) – The Cozy Cook which uses a like method, and try the One Pot Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe — Samsung Food App for another quick version. This dish stays useful for busy nights and simple family dinners.