Description
An effortless yet elegant One-Pot Pasta with a silky lemon and garlic sauce, cooked directly in seasoned broth for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) long pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, very thinly sliced
- 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche (optional)
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- Fresh basil or parsley, finely chopped
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts, lightly crushed
- Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet or shallow saucepan over medium heat. Add olive oil; when it shimmers, add sliced garlic and onion. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the dry pasta to the pan and pour in the warm broth and 1 cup water. The liquid should just cover the pasta. Increase heat to bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to a brisk simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring every 2–3 minutes for about 9–12 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the broth is nearly absorbed.
- Stir in chopped spinach (if using), lemon zest, lemon juice, and cream (if using). Remove from heat and add butter and grated Parmesan. Toss until the butter melts creating a smooth emulsion.
- Taste and season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. For a tighter sauce, add a splash of reserved warm broth or a tablespoon of pasta water.
- Plate immediately, tossing again for a final sheen and garnish with herbs and nuts.
Notes
Use warm broth to avoid shocking the pasta and ensure even cooking. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg