One-Pot Lemon and Garlic Pasta
Quick and vibrant pasta with fresh lemon, garlic, and Parmesan, ready in under 20 minutes with minimal cleanup. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 4 cloves garlic (minced) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Step 3: Stir in the 1/2 cup vegetable broth and 2 tbsp lemon juice, then add the drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Toss for 1-2 minutes until sauce coats pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to thin.
- Step 4: Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped) and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lemon and Garlic Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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-Pot Lemon and Garlic Pasta?
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 One-Pot Lemon and Garlic Pasta?
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-Pot Lemon and Garlic Pasta 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 One-Pot Lemon and Garlic Pasta?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is my new favorite pasta. The one-pot method saved me so much cleanup. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
Quick and amazing. Perfect for busy weeknights. The garlic and lemon combo is spot on.
- ★★★★★
Loved this! Made for date night and my partner raved about it. So simple and fresh.
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