One-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta with Fresh Basil
A vibrant pasta dish cooked entirely in one pot with bright lemon, aromatic herbs, and perfectly tender spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 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 450 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
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 8 oz spaghetti, 4 cups vegetable broth, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid has reduced slightly.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Cook for 1 minute until herbs wilt and flavors combine, seasoning with salt to taste.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta with Fresh Basil take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Herb Pasta with Fresh Basil?
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 Herb Pasta with Fresh Basil?
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 Herb Pasta with Fresh Basil 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 Herb Pasta with Fresh Basil?
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
- ★★★★★
My kids loved the lemony flavor. Made it for a quick dinner and everyone was happy.
- ★★★★★
The lemon and basil combo is perfect. Cooked in one pot, so cleanup was a breeze.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Made for my family and they devoured it.
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