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- 12 ounces spaghetti - 4 cups vegetable broth - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 large lemon (zest and juice) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) When cooking One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta, each ingredient plays an important role. The spaghetti is the base, soaking up all the flavor. Vegetable broth adds depth and richness, while garlic and onion bring aroma and taste. Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, making it fresh and lively. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, and parsley adds a pop of color and flavor. - Alternative pasta options: You can use gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta if you prefer. - Vegetable broth variations: You might use chicken broth for a different flavor. - Substitutes for olive oil: Use avocado oil or melted butter if you want a change. These swaps keep the dish tasty while catering to your needs. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have! For the full recipe, check out the link. Start by making the sauté base. First, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir often until the onion turns soft and clear. Next, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Stir it for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Be careful; burnt garlic can ruin your dish. Now, it's time to cook the spaghetti. Add 12 ounces of spaghetti to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth, along with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you like heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir it now and then until the spaghetti is al dente and most of the broth is gone. After cooking, fold in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Squeeze the juice from 1 large lemon over the pasta. This adds a fresh zing! Cover the pot again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. The heat will soften the tomatoes just enough. After that, stir in 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. Taste your dish and adjust the salt and pepper. To serve, I recommend plating the pasta in shallow bowls. This makes it look fancy. Sprinkle extra parsley on top and add some lemon slices for flair. You can drizzle a bit more olive oil for shine. For side dishes, consider a light salad or crusty bread. They pair well with this meal. Enjoy your delicious creation! To get the perfect al dente pasta, start by boiling water. Add a good amount of salt; it helps flavor the pasta. Cook the spaghetti according to the package time, but check it a minute early. It should be firm yet tender. Preventing garlic from burning is key. Always use medium heat when cooking garlic. Stir it often and watch closely. If it turns brown, it can taste bitter. You want it soft and fragrant, not burnt. Adding herbs and spices can change the taste of your dish. Fresh basil or thyme works well with lemon. Just chop them and mix in at the end. For a kick, try adding a bit more red pepper flakes. Boosting citrus flavors is easy. Besides lemon juice, you can add orange zest for a sweet twist. This adds depth to your pasta and makes each bite lively. One-pot cooking saves you time on cleanup. You cook everything in one pot, so fewer dishes are needed. This makes cooking less of a chore and more fun. Preparing ingredients in advance can help too. Chop your garlic and onion before starting. This way, you can move quickly when cooking. It keeps the process smooth and stress-free. For the full recipe, click here. {{image_4}} You can easily change this dish to fit your taste. Adding protein can make it heartier. - Chicken: Cook diced chicken in the pot before adding onion and garlic. - Shrimp: Add shrimp right after the spaghetti and broth. They cook fast and add great flavor. For those who prefer plant-based meals, there are great vegetarian and vegan options. - Chickpeas: Toss in canned chickpeas for protein and fiber. - Tofu: Use cubed tofu for a filling option. Switching up the flavors can keep this dish fresh and exciting. Try using different citrus fruits to add a unique twist. - Lime: Lime juice and zest can give a zesty kick. - Orange: Orange can add a sweet, bright note. You can also change the cooking liquid. Instead of vegetable broth, use: - White wine: This will give a rich, deep flavor. - Chicken broth: If you don’t need it to be vegetarian, chicken broth adds nice depth. Make this dish your own by mixing in flavors from different cuisines. - Italian-inspired: Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a classic taste. - Asian twist: Use soy sauce and sesame oil instead of olive oil for a new flavor profile. These changes can transform your One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta into something new and exciting. The full recipe can guide you through these variations easily. To keep your One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta fresh, place it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. Make sure to cool the pasta first before sealing it. This helps to keep flavors intact and stop the growth of bacteria. You can reheat the pasta in two ways: microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place a serving in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of broth or water to a pan. Heat over low heat while stirring until warmed through. This method helps to keep the pasta moist. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great choice. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For a quick option, you can microwave it from frozen, adding a little liquid as needed. This keeps your pasta tasting fresh even after freezing. How do I make One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great taste and texture. Just make sure to adjust cooking times. Gluten-free pasta cooks faster than regular pasta. Can I add protein to this recipe? Yes! You can add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Cook them separately and mix them in at the end. This adds flavor and makes the meal more filling. What is the best pasta to use for this recipe? I prefer spaghetti for its classic shape. However, you can use fettuccine or penne too. The key is to choose a pasta that cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors well. How can I make this dish spicy? To add heat, include red pepper flakes. Mix them in with the pasta and broth. You can also add sliced fresh chili peppers for more heat. Adjust to your taste. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Absolutely! Fresh herbs give a bright flavor. Use double the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried ones. Chop them and add them at the end for the best flavor. What to do if the pasta absorbs too much liquid? If your pasta absorbs too much liquid, add more broth or water. Stir and heat until it reaches your desired consistency. This will keep your dish creamy and delicious. This recipe for One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta is easy and full of flavor. You learned the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Substitutions for different diets are also included. Use my tips for perfect pasta and learn how to store leftovers. Feel free to get creative with ingredients and flavors. This dish is fun to enjoy with friends or family. I hope you try making this simple yet tasty pasta soon! You won’t be disappointed.

One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta

Savor the vibrant flavors of One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta Delight with this easy recipe that’s perfect for busy nights! This deliciously zesty dish combines spaghetti, fresh ingredients, and a burst of lemon for a delightful meal ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for pasta lovers, it's a crowd-pleaser that’s simple and satisfying.Enjoy every bite of this lemony goodness!
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Ingredients
  

12 ounces spaghetti

4 cups vegetable broth

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 large lemon (zest and juice)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large, deep skillet or pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft.

    Incorporate the minced garlic into the skillet, stirring continuously for an additional 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be vigilant to prevent the garlic from burning, as this can lead to a bitter flavor.

      Introduce the spaghetti to the skillet along with the vegetable broth, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon zest, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

        Upon reaching a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the spaghetti reaches an al dente texture, and the liquid has mostly absorbed, leaving a little moisture.

          Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and pour in the fresh lemon juice. Cover again and allow the mixture to sit for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften slightly, lending a juicy burst to the dish.

            Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, ensuring a well-balanced flavor.

              Serve the pasta hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese for a rich finish.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, plate the pasta in shallow bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of extra parsley and a few slices of fresh lemon. A light drizzle of additional olive oil can enhance the visual appeal and provide a delightful sheen to the dish. Enjoy your blossoming gourmet creation!