One-Pot Pasta with Lemon and Garlic

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

A vibrant pasta dish simmered in a lemon-garlic sauce with fresh spinach, ready in 35 minutes with minimal cleanup. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 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 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 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the pasta.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 1 minute until fragrant — do not brown.
  3. Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Pasta with Lemon and Garlic?

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 Pasta with Lemon and Garlic?

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 Pasta with Lemon and Garlic 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 Pasta with Lemon and Garlic?

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

Related recipes