If you love quick, flavorful dinners that don’t require a mountain of dishes, then you are absolutely going to adore this One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta Recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that marries the rich aroma of garlic with a vibrant blend of herbs, all cooked to tender, saucy perfection directly in one skillet. This dish proves that you don’t need fuss or fancy ingredients to create something truly comforting and delicious—a handful of staple pantry items come together brilliantly here, delivering a meal that feels cozy, fresh, and utterly satisfying every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are both simple and full of character, coming together to build layers of flavor, texture, and color in this One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in making this dish truly shine without requiring complicated prep.
- 12 oz uncooked pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice): The star base that soaks up all the garlicky, herbal goodness.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil: Adds silkiness while helping the garlic infuse the dish with deep flavor.
- 6 garlic cloves, minced: Provides the signature punch of aromatic warmth—don’t be shy with garlic here!
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Gives an earthy, slightly peppery element that compliments the garlic beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses a sweet and fragrant note that brightens the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, if available): Adds a subtle woodsy complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little kick of spice to awaken the palate.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate every bite.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (or water): The cooking liquid that transforms into a flavorful sauce and cooks the pasta perfectly in one pan.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving): Brings a creamy, savory finishing touch that melts lovingly into the pasta.
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh burst of color and brightness to the final plate.
How to Make One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil and Sauté Garlic
Start by warming your olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. As the oil ripples gently, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. This step is where magic begins — the garlic’s aroma will fill your kitchen and set the stage for all the flavors to come. Just be vigilant not to let it burn, as that can introduce bitterness.
Step 2: Toast the Pasta in the Garlic Oil
Next, add your uncooked pasta right into the pan and give it a good stir to coat each strand in the garlicky olive oil. Toasting it briefly for 1 to 2 minutes helps the pasta start soaking up flavor right away and adds a subtle nuttiness that makes a big difference in the final dish.
Step 3: Add Broth and Herbs
Pour in the broth and sprinkle all your dried herbs, salt, and pepper into the pan. Stir everything thoroughly to combine. Bring the liquid up to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. This simmering process lets the pasta absorb the fragrant broth infused with herbs, making it tender and flavorful all the way through.
Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Cooked
Cover your pan and let the pasta cook gently for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the pasta cook evenly without sticking and allows the broth to reduce into a light, herbaceous sauce. You’ll notice the liquid gradually absorbed, resulting in perfectly tender pasta soaked with flavor.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan Cheese and Seasoning
When the pasta is ready, remove the pan from heat. Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese if you love that creamy, savory richness—this step transforms the dish from hearty to truly indulgent. Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you feel like adding a little personalized zing.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, top your pasta with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley for a vibrant green finish and a fresh herbal punch. Get ready to dig in and enjoy every warm, garlicky bite straight from your favorite skillet.
How to Serve One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh basil and parsley provide beautiful color and brightness, don’t hesitate to add a squeeze of lemon juice, toasted pine nuts, or even a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to elevate your presentation and flavor profile. These simple touches take this easy pasta to next-level deliciousness and make each bite memorable.
Side Dishes
This pasta is versatile enough to be a star on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables brings balance and extra nutrition to the table. A fresh Caesar salad or a medley of charred asparagus or zucchini are excellent companions that contrast the creamy, herby pasta wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta Recipe in mini cast iron skillets or rustic bowls topped with microgreens. You can also add cooked grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp on top for a heartier meal, or fold in some cherry tomatoes before cooking for pops of juicy sweetness. This dish is a canvas begging for your creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta keeps nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers just as enjoyable as fresh. Just be sure to add a little splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the sauce and keep the pasta from drying out.
Freezing
Because of the delicate nature of pasta, freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining the perfect texture of this One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta Recipe. However, if you must freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw gently in the fridge before reheating to avoid overcooked mushiness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or water, stirring often until warmed through. Alternatively, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly. The key is to warm without drying out or overcooking, preserving the dish’s silky texture and bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works wonderfully in the One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta Recipe just like traditional pasta. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as gluten-free varieties can sometimes cook faster or have slightly different textures.
What can I substitute if I don’t have dried herbs?
If dried herbs aren’t handy, fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme can be added toward the end of cooking for a bright, fresh flavor. Use roughly three times the amount by weight for fresh herbs compared to dried.
Is it okay to use water instead of broth?
Yes! Using water keeps this dish lighter or more budget-friendly while still delivering great flavor thanks to the olive oil, garlic, and herbs. For extra depth, try adding a bouillon cube or stock concentrate if you don’t have broth on hand.
Can I add vegetables to this one pan pasta?
Definitely! Adding veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms right before the last few minutes of cooking is a fantastic way to boost nutrition and texture without complicating the recipe.
How spicy does the crushed red pepper make the dish?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that complements the herbs and garlic without overpowering. If you prefer no heat, simply omit this ingredient or reduce the amount to a pinch.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup, and this One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Whether you want a cozy solo dinner or a quick dish to impress friends, this recipe is ready to become one of your most-loved go-tos. Give it a try tonight—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful one-pan garlic and herb pasta recipe that combines uncooked pasta with aromatic garlic, dried herbs, and broth, all cooked together in a single skillet for an easy, delicious meal in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) uncooked pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, if available)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the pan, stirring to coat it evenly with the garlic-infused olive oil. Allow the pasta to toast slightly for 1-2 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Simmer and Cook the Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the pasta simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. For a creamier texture, stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Garnish: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil or parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- The crushed red pepper flakes are optional for a mild spicy kick.
- Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally during simmering to avoid sticking.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried if available, adjusting quantities accordingly.
- Adding Parmesan cheese at the end provides a richer, creamier texture but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
