One-Pot Lemon Parmesan Pasta
Bright lemon and creamy Parmesan coat tender spaghetti in this effortless weeknight dinner, finished with a hint of fresh herb. 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 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pasta water
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup heavy cream, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, then add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and smooth.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing vigorously for 2 minutes until coated and sauce thickens to coat the strands. Add more pasta water if needed.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley before serving immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lemon Parmesan Pasta 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 One-Pot Lemon Parmesan 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 Parmesan 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 Parmesan 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 Parmesan 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
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
