Let me tell you about this One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta—it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, garlicky, herby sauce that’s so simple yet so flavorful. This dish will have your kitchen smelling like an Italian bistro, and trust me, it’s as easy as it gets. I’m talking one pan, a handful of ingredients, and in less than 30 minutes, you’ve got a dinner that tastes like it took hours. The garlic infuses the pasta with this dreamy, savory warmth, while the herbs just bring it all together. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable—you can play around with the herbs or even add a little cheese to make it extra indulgent.

Why You’ll Love One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients into a pan. It’s about making magic happen with just a few simple steps. Here’s why I’m sure you’re going to fall for it:

Versatile: Perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re throwing together a quick weeknight dinner, impressing your friends at a casual get-together, or just treating yourself to a comforting meal, this pasta fits the bill every time. You can even make it as an easy side dish or enjoy it on its own!

Budget-Friendly: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry. No need for fancy or expensive items. It’s proof that good food doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Plus, it’s hearty and filling, so you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck!

Quick and Easy: With minimal effort and just one pan, you’ll have a satisfying meal in no time. This one’s for anyone who loves to eat well but isn’t interested in spending hours in the kitchen. If you’re new to cooking, this is the perfect recipe to help you build confidence.

Customizable: Want a little heat? Throw in some chili flakes. Feel like a cheesy pasta? Stir in some parmesan or mozzarella at the end. The possibilities are endless! You can make it just how you like it.

Crowd-Pleasing: There’s something about pasta that makes everyone happy. This dish is no exception—kids and adults alike will gobble it up, and you won’t hear any complaints about leftovers!

Ingredients in One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta

Here’s the magic of this one-pan pasta dish: simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Let’s break it down:

Pasta: The foundation of this dish—use your favorite type, whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or farfalle. The pasta will soak up all the delicious flavors of the garlic and herbs.

Garlic: This is where the magic happens. Fresh, aromatic garlic that gets sautéed until golden and fragrant, infusing the pasta with irresistible flavor.

Herbs: A mix of fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. They give the dish a lovely depth and fragrance.

Olive Oil: This is your cooking base, adding richness and helping the garlic and herbs to bloom as they cook. Plus, it brings a little Mediterranean flair to the whole dish.

Butter: For a touch of richness and creaminess that takes this pasta to the next level. It’s the secret ingredient that makes everything just a little more indulgent.

Parmesan (optional): Add a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan at the end for a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this flavor-packed pasta that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!

Preheat Your Pan:

Start by heating your pan over medium heat. You want it hot enough to cook the garlic, but not so hot that it burns. Patience here is key!

Sauté the Garlic:

Add olive oil to the pan and let it warm up. Then, add the minced garlic and cook it until it’s fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn—garlic is best when it’s golden, not brown!

Cook the Pasta:

Add your uncooked pasta to the pan and toss it around to coat it in the garlic-infused oil. Then, pour in enough water (or broth, for extra flavor) to cover the pasta. Bring it to a simmer and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to keep things moving.

Add the Herbs:

Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle in the dried herbs (or fresh if you’ve got them!). Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful herb mix.

Finish It Off:

Add a generous knob of butter to make everything creamy and even more flavorful. Stir in the butter until it’s fully melted, and if you like, sprinkle in some freshly grated parmesan cheese for an extra rich touch.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the pasta is nice and creamy, plate it up, give it one last sprinkle of herbs or cheese, and dig in! It’s the perfect bowl of comfort you’ll want to eat every day.

How to Serve One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta

While this dish is delightful on its own, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that complement its flavors:

Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing side salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the pasta.

Garlic Bread: Serve it with some crispy garlic bread to mop up any leftover buttery sauce. It’s the ultimate pairing!

Roasted Vegetables: Try serving it with roasted veggies like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers for an extra dose of nutrition.

Wine Pairing: If you’re in the mood for wine, a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would be perfect alongside this dish.

Additional Tips

Want to make this recipe even better? Here are some extra tips:

Prep Ahead: You can chop your garlic and measure out your herbs ahead of time, so when you’re ready to cook, it’s a breeze.

Go Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free option, just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and you’re good to go!

Boost the Flavor: Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving to add a touch of brightness to the dish.

Storage Tips: Leftovers? No problem! Store any extra pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove with a splash of water or broth to bring it back to life.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can make this pasta ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove with a little extra olive oil or broth to keep it from drying out.

Q2: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
A2: Absolutely! Fresh herbs work beautifully in this recipe—just use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just add a splash of water or broth and heat it up on the stove.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dish since pasta doesn’t always hold up well in the freezer, but it makes for excellent leftovers in the fridge!

Q5: What kind of pasta works best?
A5: You can use any kind of pasta you like—spaghetti, penne, fusilli—all will work perfectly with this dish.

Conclusion

This One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta is one of those recipes that’ll become your go-to when you want something quick, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, it’s bound to impress. Plus, you can tweak it to make it your own, adding your favorite herbs, spices, or toppings. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!