One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan

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

A bright and creamy one-pot pasta dish with fresh spinach, garlic, and a finishing touch of Parmesan cheese. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, vegetable broth, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large deep skillet or saucepan, combine 12 oz spaghetti, 4 cups vegetable broth, 3 tbsp olive oil, and 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 cups packed baby spinach, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2 more minutes until spinach wilts.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan?

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 Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan?

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 Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan 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.

Is One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta with Spinach and Parmesan vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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