Description
This One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and simple Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring tender spaghetti cooked directly in a fragrant broth infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of lemon, it delivers comforting, savory notes with minimal cleanup. Ideal for vegetarians, this recipe combines the ease of one-pot cooking with fresh parsley and Parmesan to create a vibrant meal that can be customized with your favorite vegetables or protein.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Broth
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or water with 1 tablespoon olive oil)
Seasonings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil and Garlic: In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t brown to avoid bitterness.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Pour in the uncooked spaghetti along with 4 cups of vegetable broth (or water with olive oil). Sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon juice if you like a bright, citrusy touch. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately garnished with extra parsley or Parmesan.
Notes
- Any type of long pasta such as fettuccine or bucatini can be used instead of spaghetti or linguine.
- For a heartier dish, add sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or grilled chicken during the final steps.
- To make this dish vegan, simply omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with a dairy-free vegan cheese alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
