Description
Meghan Markle’s One-Pan Pasta is a quick and flavorful recipe where spaghetti cooks together with cherry tomatoes, fresh greens, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a single pan. The dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option that’s creamy, vibrant, and easy to clean up. The addition of lemon zest, chili flakes, and fresh basil provide fresh flavors and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Pasta & Water
- 4 cups water
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Vegetables & Greens
- 16 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups greens (such as arugula, baby spinach, and/or Swiss chard)
- Basil leaves, for garnish
Flavorings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (plus more, to taste)
Other
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the Water: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan or electric kettle. This will be used to help the pasta cook evenly in the pan with the rest of the ingredients.
- Layer the Pan: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, add the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, and kosher salt. Spread the ingredients evenly across the bottom. Lay the uncooked spaghetti noodles on top and sprinkle with lemon zest.
- Add Water and Cook Pasta: Pour the boiling water over the spaghetti, just enough to cover it. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Cover the pan and cook for about 6 minutes, stirring the pasta halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Finish Cooking Pasta: Uncover the pan and continue to cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta starts to get tender and the liquid reduces into a sauce.
- Add Greens & Cheese: Stir in the crushed red pepper, fresh greens, and Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the greens are wilted, the cheese is melted into a creamy sauce, and the pasta is al dente and coated.
- Season & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or crushed red pepper if desired. Serve hot, topped with additional grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Notes
- Use a mix of greens like arugula, baby spinach, and Swiss chard for best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use high-quality Parmesan for the creamiest, richest sauce.
- This recipe can be easily doubled in a larger pan for more servings.
- For a vegan version, substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast and skip the cheese garnish.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main-course
- Method: One Pot & One Pan
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 262
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 888mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 11mg
