Get ready to fall in love with the effortless charm and flavor explosion of One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta. This recipe is the ultimate answer to busy weeknights when you want a comforting, delicious meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or a lifetime doing dishes. Each strand of pasta is infused with aromatic garlic and a bouquet of Italian herbs, simmered together in just one pan for a luscious, creamy finish. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta is how it transforms a handful of humble ingredients into something truly magical. Each component plays a starring role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, making every bite irresistible.
- Spaghetti or Linguine (12 ounces): Long pasta soaks up all those wonderful flavors and provides the perfect texture for this dish.
- Vegetable Broth (4 cups): Using broth instead of water adds depth and richness to the pasta as it cooks.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The backbone of this dish, garlic brings bold, aromatic flavor that ties everything together.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): A little goes a long way to sauté the garlic and add silkiness to the finished pasta.
- Dried Basil (1 teaspoon): Sweet and slightly peppery, basil gives the pasta its classic Italian herbaceousness.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Oregano adds a warm, earthy note that pairs beautifully with the other herbs.
- Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): This subtle herb rounds out the flavor profile with a hint of lemony freshness.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors; season to your liking.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and savory depth to the finished pasta.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings a pop of color and fresh, grassy flavor to finish the dish.
- Lemon Juice (from 1/2 lemon, optional): A squeeze of lemon brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of zing.
How to Make One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can turn bitter—aim for just golden and aromatic.
Step 2: Add Pasta and Liquid
Next, lay your uncooked spaghetti or linguine right into the pan with the garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged. This is where the magic of One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta begins—the pasta absorbs all the garlicky, herby goodness as it cooks!
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), plus a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The pasta will become tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed, leaving just enough to create a silky sauce.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Herbs
Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened up, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan, chopped fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice if you like a little brightness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. The Parmesan will melt into the sauce, creating a luscious, creamy texture that clings to every noodle.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Spoon the pasta into bowls and finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or parsley for a beautiful presentation. One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta is best enjoyed right away while it’s piping hot and bursting with fresh flavor.
How to Serve One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta
Garnishes
For the ultimate finishing touch, shower your One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta with a handful of freshly chopped parsley and a dusting of Parmesan. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few cracks of black pepper can also elevate the flavors and make your dish look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a side of garlicky roasted vegetables. For a classic Italian touch, serve with warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit of the flavorful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try twirling portions of One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta into pretty nests on each plate. Top with shaved Parmesan, a lemon wedge, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flair. You can even serve the pasta family-style in the skillet for a cozy, rustic vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to mingle and deepen, making leftovers just as enjoyable the next day.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze this pasta for up to 2 months. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, then warm the pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Top with a little fresh parsley or Parmesan to revive those just-made flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine are classic choices, feel free to use fettuccine, angel hair, or even a short pasta like penne. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes may need more or less time to become perfectly tender.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
It’s easy to make One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta completely plant-based. Simply omit the Parmesan or swap in your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish is still packed with flavor from the garlic, herbs, and broth!
What protein can I add to make this a heartier meal?
This pasta is wonderfully versatile. For a protein boost, toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cooked chickpeas. Grilled chicken or shrimp also make delicious add-ins for a non-vegetarian twist.
Can I use water instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, you can substitute water, but using vegetable broth really enhances the flavor. If using water, consider adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil and a bit more salt to compensate for the missing depth.
Is One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta spicy?
Only if you want it to be! The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can skip them for a milder version or add a little extra if you love some gentle heat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s big on flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress, One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again, and sharing it with everyone you know. Enjoy every garlicky, herby bite!
Print
One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta Recipe
- 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 and Herb Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and simple Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring tender spaghetti cooked directly in a fragrant broth infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of lemon, it delivers comforting, savory notes with minimal cleanup. Ideal for vegetarians, this recipe combines the ease of one-pot cooking with fresh parsley and Parmesan to create a vibrant meal that can be customized with your favorite vegetables or protein.
Ingredients
Pasta and Broth
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or water with 1 tablespoon olive oil)
Seasonings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil and Garlic: In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t brown to avoid bitterness.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Pour in the uncooked spaghetti along with 4 cups of vegetable broth (or water with olive oil). Sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon juice if you like a bright, citrusy touch. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately garnished with extra parsley or Parmesan.
Notes
- Any type of long pasta such as fettuccine or bucatini can be used instead of spaghetti or linguine.
- For a heartier dish, add sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or grilled chicken during the final steps.
- To make this dish vegan, simply omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with a dairy-free vegan cheese alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
