Meghan Markle's One-Pan Pasta Recipe

Name: Meghan Markle's One-Pan Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 cups water; 16 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 Tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 12 ounces spaghetti; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 4 cups greens, such as arugula, baby spinach, and/or swiss chard; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish; Basil leaves for garnish

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Spaghetti with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Greens

This simple, flavorful pasta dish combines sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic, and peppery greens for a fresh, satisfying meal. A hint of lemon zest and Parmesan finish it off perfectly.

Ingredients

4 cups water
16 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
8 ounces spaghetti
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 cups greens (arugula, baby spinach, Swiss chard, or a mix)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
Basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

In a small saucepan or kettle, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, and kosher salt.
Layer the uncooked spaghetti noodles on top of the tomatoes and sprinkle with lemon zest.
Pour in just enough boiling water to cover the pasta. Place the skillet over medium heat, bringing it to a boil.
Once boiling, cover the skillet and cook for about 6 minutes, stirring halfway through.
After 6 minutes, uncover the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta reaches your desired level of doneness.
Add the crushed red pepper, greens, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture has thickened and the greens have wilted.
Season with additional salt or crushed red pepper, if desired.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 262
Fat: 14g (18% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 3g (17% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 11mg (4% Daily Value)
Sodium: 888mg (39% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 26g (10% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 4g
Protein: 8g (17% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 26mg (29% Daily Value)
Calcium: 170mg (13% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (10% Daily Value)
Potassium: 471mg (10% Daily Value)

The Story Behind Meghan Markle's One-Pan Pasta

Meghan Markle's one-pan pasta is a modern culinary creation that blends convenience with flavor. While traditional pasta dishes often require multiple pots and extensive preparation, this recipe gained popularity through Meghan's cooking series, where she emphasized simplicity without compromising taste. The concept of cooking everything in a single pan is inspired by both Italian home cooking traditions and contemporary fast-paced lifestyles, making it perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Regional Characteristics

This dish reflects classic Italian culinary principles, particularly from Southern Italy, where fresh, seasonal ingredients like cherry tomatoes, greens, and olive oil are staples. The addition of lemon zest and crushed red pepper adds a light, zesty flavor reminiscent of coastal Mediterranean cooking. Unlike heavier pasta sauces, this one-pan approach allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the vegetables and seasonings directly, creating a naturally infused, vibrant taste. It can be adapted with regional ingredientssuch as Swiss chard in northern Italy or arugula in central regionsto reflect local preferences.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While many one-pot pasta recipes exist, Meghan Markles version stands out for its balance of freshness and minimalism. Unlike creamy Alfredo pastas or rich Bolognese, this dish is light, relying on olive oil, Parmesan, and lemon for flavor rather than heavy cream or meat. Its quick cooking time also distinguishes it from traditional Italian recipes that often require slow-simmered sauces. Additionally, the layering methodplacing the pasta on top of the vegetables before adding waterensures the noodles cook evenly while absorbing the aromatic flavors, a technique not commonly used in other one-pan pastas.

Typical Serving Occasions

This pasta is versatile and can be served in various settings. It works well as a casual weeknight dinner, a light summer meal, or a dish for entertaining guests when paired with a crisp salad and a glass of wine. In Italy, similar vegetable-focused pasta dishes are often served family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves. Its simplicity and elegance make it suitable for both everyday meals and slightly more formal occasions, especially when garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan.

Interesting Facts

The one-pan pasta concept has roots in Italian pasta al salto, where pasta is finished in the pan with sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
Meghan Markles version has sparked a global trend of minimalist, celebrity-inspired cooking, demonstrating how media can influence home cooking habits.
Adding a small amount of pasta water helps create a natural, creamy sauce without dairy, a technique often used by Italian chefs to maintain a light texture.
The recipe is highly adaptable: proteins like shrimp, chicken, or salmon can be added, making it suitable for different dietary preferences while still preserving its signature freshness.
This dish exemplifies a broader movement toward fast gourmet cooking, emphasizing efficiency, seasonal ingredients, and bold flavors without extensive preparation.

FAQ about Meghan Markle's One-Pan Pasta Recipe

Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can add a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out and reheat it in a skillet or microwave.

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other types of pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape you choose.

If you don't have fresh greens, you can use frozen spinach or any leafy greens you have on hand, such as kale or Swiss chard. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from frozen greens before adding them to the pan.

This recipe is best served fresh, but you can prepare it in advance by cooking the pasta and veggies separately, then storing them in the fridge. When ready to serve, heat them together and add the cheese and seasonings.

If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper. You could also add fresh chili peppers or hot sauce to taste while cooking.

Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even cooked bacon to make this dish more filling. For a vegetarian option, consider adding chickpeas or tofu.

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta may cook faster or slower depending on the brand.

If you don't have fresh lemon zest, you can substitute it with a small amount of bottled lemon juice or lemon extract, though the flavor may not be as vibrant. Fresh zest provides a more aromatic and fresh taste.

To make the pasta creamier, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese during the final stages of cooking. Another option is to add extra Parmesan cheese for a richer sauce.

If you're not a fan of garlic or have an allergy, you can omit it from the recipe. You could also replace it with a small amount of garlic powder or onion powder for a different flavor.

Comments

Amy Sanchez

03/08/2025 08:00:47 PM

Amazing one-pan meal! It has a delightful, fresh flavor. To those negative individuals who are upset that this recipe was inspired by one of Martha Stewart's, here's a culinary reality check. All recipes are built upon previous ones. My mother, an incredible chef, always adapted recipes from her own mother, just like I do from her. Give this tasty recipe a try and personalize it to your taste. And for those carrying negative feelings towards Meghan Markle, put those aside and focus on enjoying this dish.

Adam Edwards

09/01/2024 01:42:35 PM

This recipe turned out to be absolutely delicious! It was incredibly simple to follow, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the process. I know for sure that I will be making it again. I did make a few tweaks to the original directions. Instead of boiling the pasta in a large pot of water, I opted to use just enough water to cover the pasta. This allowed me to save some of the pasta water to enhance the dish later on. To amp up the flavor, I decided to sauté half a cup of chopped onions first, followed by cooking the tomatoes. I then added a teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. The final touch was tossing in the pasta along with lemon zest, red pepper, spinach, and a bit of the saved pasta water. Absolutely scrumptious!

Betty Miller

01/13/2025 08:56:32 PM

I found this recipe to be refreshing and easy to follow. It's adaptable to suit different tastes, and I've already made it three times. The first time, I followed the recipe precisely; the second time, I used vegetable broth instead of water, which gave it a nice twist; and the third time, I added cream and skipped the lemon for a new flavor experience. To those leaving negative comments, let's keep this community space positive and focused on sharing our love for cooking. Remember, many recipes are influenced by others. Just think about how many pound cake, chocolate chip, or salmon recipes are out there. And let's not forget, Martha Stewart wasn't the first - back in 1949, Julia Child and Lena Richard, a Black woman, were sharing their culinary skills. Let's inspire each other for the greater good of humanity.

Alexander Torres

11/15/2022 11:00:17 AM

I have tried this recipe twice now. The first time, I followed along with the Netflix video, which required some rewinding and rewatching. It was great to find a written version of it. The dish turned out to be simple and delicious! Even my picky family members went back for seconds. The second time around, things went much smoother with the typed recipe to refer to. I also made a few tweaks, using chicken broth instead of water to cook the pasta and adding marinated chicken thigh from Whole Foods at the end. Overall, a fantastic dish that I will continue to make!

Amy Thomas

05/19/2023 04:37:46 PM

I believe I've discovered our go-to summer pasta! This dish is absolutely delicious with its perfect mix of flavors and it's so easy to prepare. I opted for spinach as my green component. The entire family adored this meal!

Kevin Young

05/05/2025 02:18:14 AM

I added 1 cup of half and half and 1/2 cup of cream cheese to my pasta dish to make it extra creamy.

Betty White

03/22/2025 01:04:28 AM

Simple and delicious. I included shrimp for extra protein, but it tastes great on its own too. Planning to enjoy it with a glass of As Ever rosé tomorrow alongside fresh tomatoes from my garden.

Mark Campbell

06/17/2024 02:13:27 PM

This dish has quickly become a household favorite for me and my family. We love to enhance it with sockeye red salmon and prawns for extra protein. It's not only incredibly delicious but also budget-friendly and satisfying, even without the added protein.

Sarah Lewis

08/09/2023 11:01:07 PM

Great! I plan to add shrimp to it next time.

William Wilson

06/11/2024 12:19:31 AM

Excellent! I appreciate the absence of jarred or canned sauce. Next time, I'll include extra garlic. It's definitely a comfort food favorite.

Samuel White

11/05/2022 05:36:30 PM

I have made this dish multiple times, using various proteins, noodles, and veggies. It turns out well almost every time. I also enjoyed watching the Netflix show.

Heather Walker

09/16/2024 04:41:35 PM

Everything about this dish was fantastic! It was incredibly simple to make, delicious, and a hit with everyone. It has definitely earned a spot in our regular meal rotation.

Christopher Hernandez

12/23/2023 08:59:48 PM

I absolutely adored this recipe! After watching Meaghan demonstrate it on her show, I was eager to try it out. It turned out to be a delightful one-pot meal that I adore. Unlike my usual meaty marinara pasta, this dish is light and ideal for those scorching summer days when a pasta dish still sounds appealing.

Joshua Young

08/23/2023 08:00:16 PM

We absolutely loved this recipe! This was our fourth time making it and it never disappoints!

Nancy Thompson

04/17/2025 04:04:21 PM

I absolutely adored it, and found it to be incredibly simple to use.

Joyce King

02/26/2023 06:49:04 PM

I was really looking forward to testing out this recipe. It turned out quite well. The flavor is on the milder side, but it could easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. I would consider making it again in the future.

Ruth Davis

05/06/2025 01:20:31 PM

One pot pastas are a beloved staple in our household, and I prepare them frequently. While this particular recipe was quite enjoyable, it would benefit from an extra kick of garlic, more Parmesan cheese, and an additional pinch of crushed red pepper to enhance the flavors. With these adjustments, it is sure to become a regular feature on our menu. I am eager to experiment with adding diced pancetta for an extra burst of flavor in the future.

Charles Carter

01/19/2023 05:55:43 PM

Great experience! It took slightly over 6 minutes to cook the pasta to the perfect texture. Using pre-shredded Parmesan cheese helped save time as well.