Garlic-Leek Pasta with Lemon Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick, elegant pasta dish with tender leeks and garlic in a light lemony sauce for a satisfying weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, (minced) garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tsp salt) to a rolling boil, add 8 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Trim root ends and dark green leaves from 3 medium leeks, slice white and light green parts into 1/2-inch pieces, rinse thoroughly, and cook in a large skillet over medium heat with 3 tbsp olive oil for 5 minutes until tender.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1 tsp salt; toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats pasta evenly, adding more pasta water if needed; serve topped with 2 tbsp grated Parmesan.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Leek Pasta with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic-Leek Pasta with Lemon Zest?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Leek Pasta with Lemon Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic-Leek Pasta with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Garlic-Leek Pasta with Lemon Zest?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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