Your New Favorite Weeknight Pasta

If you’ve got 20 minutes and a craving for something creamy, cozy, and full of flavor — this One Pot Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta will absolutely make your day. It’s silky, garlicky, a little tangy from the lemon, and rich enough to feel indulgent without being heavy. The best part? You only need one pot and a handful of ingredients to make it happen. No juggling multiple pans, no stress — just pure comfort food made easy. 🍋🍝

Why You’ll Love It

This pasta has the perfect balance: the cream and Parmesan give it richness, while the lemon cuts through with brightness and freshness. The garlic adds that familiar, cozy flavor that makes every bite satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish feels like a restaurant-quality meal that you can whip up with minimal effort — which, honestly, is the dream on busy evenings!

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe doesn’t just taste good — it’s also quite balanced. Garlic is full of antioxidants and helps boost your immune system. Lemon is rich in vitamin C and aids digestion. Parmesan adds a dose of calcium and protein, and if you use whole-wheat pasta or chickpea pasta, you’ll get extra fiber and nutrients too. So yes, you can feel pretty good about eating a big bowl of this creamy, zesty goodness!

Fun & Easy Variations

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even salmon to make it a full meal.
• Veggie Upgrade: Toss in spinach, broccoli, or peas near the end for color and freshness.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap the cream for coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan — still creamy, but completely plant-based.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat that pairs beautifully with the lemon.

One Pot Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped parsley and extra Parmesan

Instructions

1. In a large deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
2. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir to separate the strands and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 10–12 minutes). If it gets too thick, add a splash more broth or milk.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in butter, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss until creamy and fully coated.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you love extra brightness, squeeze in a bit more lemon juice before serving.
6. Serve immediately, topped with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Enjoy every creamy, tangy bite!

Helpful Tips for Perfect Creamy Pasta

• Stir often: Because this is a one-pot recipe, frequent stirring helps the pasta cook evenly and prevents sticking.
• Don’t overcook: Pull the pasta off the heat when it’s just tender — it’ll keep softening slightly in the sauce.
• Use fresh lemon: Bottled lemon juice doesn’t have the same fresh flavor or aroma. Fresh zest makes all the difference!
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back the creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use heavy cream instead of milk? Yes! It’ll make the sauce even richer and thicker — perfect if you’re craving indulgence.
2. Can I make it gluten-free? Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure to stir often, as GF pasta absorbs liquid faster.
3. What if I don’t have Parmesan? Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano work wonderfully too — both give a similar salty, cheesy flavor.
4. Can I make it ahead? This pasta is best served fresh, but you can reheat it gently with a little extra milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Let’s Stay in Touch!

If this One Pot Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta brought some sunshine to your kitchen, I’d love to see your version! Snap a photo and share it on Pinterest — tag me so I can see your delicious take. Whether you made it extra garlicky, added veggies, or kept it simple and creamy, this easy pasta is one you’ll want to make again and again. 🍝🍋🧄