One-Pan Herb-Infused Pasta with Lemon

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

A simple pasta dish where the herbs are the clear favorite for bright flavor. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 8 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; toss for 2 minutes until pasta is evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: If mixture seems dry, add 2 tbsp reserved pasta water and toss until sauce coats pasta evenly, then serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Herb-Infused Pasta with Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 One-Pan Herb-Infused Pasta with Lemon?

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 pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Herb-Infused Pasta with Lemon?

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 One-Pan Herb-Infused Pasta with Lemon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 One-Pan Herb-Infused Pasta with Lemon?

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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