One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic and Parmesan
A simple one-pot pasta dish bursting with garlic flavor and finished with Parmesan cheese for a comforting weeknight dinner ready in 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and garlic edges just begin to turn golden.
- Step 2: Add 12 oz dry spaghetti, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the pan. Press the pasta down gently to submerge it as much as possible.
- Step 3: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and the liquid reduces to a creamy sauce.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley until the cheese melts and coats the pasta.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 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 Spaghetti with Garlic 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 Spaghetti with Garlic 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 Spaghetti with Garlic 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.
What goes well with One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic and Parmesan?
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.
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