One Pot Lemon Pasta

Name: One Pot Lemon Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this One Pot Lemon Pasta recipe that packs a zesty punch! Made with fresh ingredients and minimal cleanup, this creamy pasta dish is bursting with flavor and brightness from the lemon, making it a delightful comfort food. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it's a family-friendly meal that’s both simple and satisfying!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-11-20T08:38:38.822Z

This One Pot Lemon Pasta is an ideal dish for busy weeknights.

A Simple Yet Flavorful Dish

One Pot Lemon Pasta is the epitome of weeknight comfort food, especially for busy families. This dish combines the simplicity of a one-pot meal with the zing of fresh lemon, creating a delightful flavor profile everyone will adore. The use of just a handful of ingredients means you can whip it up in no time, making weeknight dinners less of a chore and more of a joy. The creamy consistency pairs beautifully with the tangy notes of lemon, appealing to all taste buds.

Another great aspect of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on the ingredients you have on hand. Want to add some protein? Grilled chicken or shrimp would complement the pasta wonderfully. Looking for extra veggies? Consider incorporating spinach or cherry tomatoes. This dish allows you to tailor it to your family's preferences while still keeping the essence of lemon pasta intact.

Cooking with Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients is key to elevating this One Pot Lemon Pasta. Fresh lemons add an unmatched brightness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor. The vibrant zest and juice infuse every bite, making this dish not just a meal, but an experience. Additionally, using high-quality Parmesan cheese ensures a rich and creamy texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Furthermore, this recipe uses vegetable broth as the cooking liquid, which not only elevates the flavor of the pasta but also keeps the whole dish vegetarian-friendly. If you prefer, chicken broth can be substituted for an added depth of flavor. Regardless of your choice, this dish demonstrates how fresh ingredients and good cooking practices can create a delightful meal in under 30 minutes.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it's a quiet weeknight or a busy weekend, One Pot Lemon Pasta fits seamlessly into any dining scenario. Its creamy, lemony goodness makes it suitable for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings. Pair it with a simple salad and a glass of white wine for an unforgettable dinner experience that feels gourmet without the fuss.

Moreover, this recipe is a hit with children as well as adults, making it an ideal family meal. The comforting nature of the creamy pasta, coupled with the fresh lemon flavor, appeals to young palates without sacrificing nutrition. It's a dish that encourages family gatherings around the table, fostering connections over delicious food.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your One Pot Lemon Pasta.

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Once you have your ingredients ready, you're all set to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious One Pot Lemon Pasta.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, combine spaghetti, vegetable broth, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes.

Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately!

Enjoy your perfectly cooked One Pot Lemon Pasta!

Ingredient Spotlight: Lemon

Lemons are more than just a pretty fruit; they bring an invigorating zest to many dishes, and in this One Pot Lemon Pasta, they shine brightly. The acidity of lemon brightens the flavors of the pasta, creating a perfect balance with the creaminess. Lemons are also packed with vitamin C, making them a healthy addition to your diet. Using both the zest and juice in this recipe maximizes the lemon flavor and aroma, requiring just one fruit for a deliciously citrusy result.

Incorporating lemon into cooking not only enhances taste but also adds a refreshing quality that can elevate an otherwise simple dish. This is particularly important in creamy pasta recipes, where acidity can cut through richness, providing a balanced flavor experience. Next time you cook, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to invigorate your favorite dishes!

One Pot Cooking Benefits

One pot cooking is revolutionizing meal prep, and for good reason. This method minimizes cleanup time, allowing you to enjoy your meal without dreading the subsequent pile of dishes. For One Pot Lemon Pasta, everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, which enhances the overall taste experience. All you need is a large pot, and you’ll be enjoying a filling, comforting meal in no time.

Additionally, one pot meals are often quicker to prepare, perfect for busy households. This procedure encourages efficient cooking techniques, keeping the processes straightforward and giving you more time to spend with family and friends. When it comes to weeknight dinners, there's simply no better way to balance flavor, convenience, and family time!

Make Ahead Tips

Preparing One Pot Lemon Pasta in advance can be a fantastic time-saver during hectic weeks. Should you want to meal prep, simply cook the dish and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you're ready to enjoy your meal, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave. However, keep in mind that the pasta might soak up some of the sauce, so be sure to reserve a little extra cream or broth to add in during reheating for that creamy texture.

If you're planning on entertaining, consider making this dish ahead of time too! You can execute the recipe to completion, allowing the flavors to develop even further as they sit. Your guests will appreciate a delicious home-cooked meal that looks and tastes as if you made it right before serving, allowing you to enjoy their company while savoring a homemade meal!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works well, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.