Let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to recipe for a busy weeknight: one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta! Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver. It’s bursting with flavor, and you can whip it up in no time—just 25 minutes from start to finish! I remember the first time I made it; I was racing against the clock but still wanted something delicious and comforting. This pasta was the answer, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. The best part? You only need one pot, which means less cleanup (yay!). With the bright zing of lemon, the warmth of garlic, and the creamy goodness of parmesan, every bite is pure bliss. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be on your regular rotation, too!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into the steps for making this one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta. Trust me, it’s super simple, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
First things first, grab a large pot and heat up your olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and warm, so let it heat for about 1-2 minutes. This step is essential because it helps the garlic release its delicious aroma without burning.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Once your oil is heated, toss in the minced garlic. You’ll want to sauté it for about 30 seconds to a minute, just until it’s fragrant. Keep an eye on it, though—burnt garlic is a bummer! If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat a tad.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time for the fun part! Add in your vegetable broth, spaghetti, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. This is where the magic happens, so keep an eye on it until you see those bubbles! Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Let the pasta simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s done when it’s al dente but still has a little bite to it. It should soak up all that lovely broth—yum!
Step 5: Mix in Parmesan
Once your pasta is cooked, it’s time to stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Add it in slowly, stirring until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. If it’s a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more broth or a little water until you reach that dreamy consistency.
Step 6: Seasoning
Give it a taste! This is your moment to adjust the seasoning. Add salt and pepper according to your taste. I always find that a little extra sprinkle of black pepper adds a nice kick!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, serve it up with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top for that pop of color and freshness. Pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread, and you’re all set for a delightful meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: You can have this pasta ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- One-pot wonder: Less mess means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans.
- Bursting with flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and parmesan creates a deliciously zesty and creamy dish that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the lemon and garlic to suit your taste, or even add veggies or proteins for a heartier meal.
- Minimal ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe is budget-friendly and perfect for those last-minute dinners.
- Vegetarian-friendly: This pasta is a great choice for anyone looking for a meatless meal without sacrificing flavor!
- Leftover-friendly: If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), they reheat beautifully for lunch the next day!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta is all about a few simple tricks that can elevate your dish. Here are my top tips to ensure it turns out amazing every time!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and real parmesan cheese make a world of difference in flavor. If you can, skip the pre-grated stuff and grate it yourself for that rich, creamy goodness.
- Adjust the lemon: If you love a zesty kick, feel free to add more lemon juice or zest. But if you prefer a milder flavor, start with less and adjust to your taste as it cooks.
- Watch your pasta: Everyone’s stove is a little different, so keep an eye on your pasta as it cooks. You want it al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. If it looks done before the time is up, taste it!
- Save some pasta water: If your pasta sauce ends up too thick, reserve a bit of the vegetable broth or even some pasta cooking water to thin it out to your desired creaminess.
- Mix it up: Feel free to sneak in some veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color!
- Don’t skip the seasoning: Always taste and adjust your seasoning at the end! A pinch of salt or a twist of black pepper can really enhance the flavors.
- Let it rest: If you can, let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and gives you that luscious texture!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making this dish a new favorite in your home. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional data for a serving of my one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 3g
This dish is not only delicious but also packs a good punch of protein and flavor. It’s a great option for a satisfying meal without feeling too heavy. Enjoy guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get and my answers to help you out.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love spaghetti for this recipe, you can use any pasta you have on hand. Penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta works great! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it might vary slightly.
What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
No problem! Chicken broth or even water can substitute vegetable broth in a pinch. Just remember, it may alter the flavor a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, simply use a dairy-free parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. You can also replace the olive oil with a plant-based butter if you want a little extra creaminess.
How can I add protein to this dish?
If you’d like to add some protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas would be fantastic additions. Toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat them through without overcooking!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of broth to keep it creamy!
Can I prepare this in advance?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop your garlic, zest your lemon, and measure out everything else. When you’re ready to cook, it’ll be a breeze to throw it all together!
How do I know when the pasta is done?
The best way to check is to taste a piece! You want it al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. If it’s still too chewy, give it a minute or two more, but keep stirring to avoid sticking.
Hopefully, these answers help you on your culinary journey with this one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta. I can’t wait for you to try it! Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some leftovers of that delicious one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta? Awesome! Here’s how to store it properly so you can enjoy it again without losing any flavor.
First, let the pasta cool down to room temperature. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors intact and prevents it from drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend doing it on the stovetop. Just add the pasta to a pan over medium heat, and splash in a little vegetable broth or water to help loosen it up. Stir it gently and heat until warmed through. This method keeps it creamy and prevents it from becoming too dry. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but make sure to cover it to retain moisture. Just add a splash of liquid and stir halfway through for even heating.
And there you have it! With these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta again without missing a beat. Happy eating!
Print
One Pot Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta in 25 Minutes of Joy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add vegetable broth, spaghetti, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust lemon juice according to taste preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta
