One-Pot Spaghetti with Lemon, Garlic, and Kale

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-06 · Updated 2026-05-06

A bright and simple one-pot pasta dish featuring spaghetti cooked with garlic, fresh kale, and a zesty lemon sauce for a quick weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 4 cups fresh kale, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
2. Step 2: Add 12 oz dry spaghetti, 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, and 1 tsp salt to the pot. Break the spaghetti in half if needed to fit. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add 4 cups chopped fresh kale on top of the pasta and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the kale wilts and pasta is al dente, stirring gently to combine.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and coats the pasta. Serve immediately.