Name: Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (your choice); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; Zest of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta is the ultimate easy-to-make, flavorful dish that combines the creamy richness of Parmesan with the bright zest of lemon. All of this comes together in just one pan, making it not only delicious but also perfect for quick weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup. The addition of fresh parsley adds a pop of color, making this dish as visually appealing as it is tasty.

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (your choice)

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large skillet or pan, I heat the olive oil over medium heat. Then, I add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

I add the vegetable broth, heavy cream, and pasta to the pan, stirring to combine.

I bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed.

Next, I stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. I continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese is melted.

Finally, I season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

If I want to add a bit of variety to this dish, I sometimes toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for added protein and flavor. I also enjoy experimenting with different types of pasta, from spaghetti to penne, depending on what I have on hand. For a little extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added. Alternatively, if I want a lighter version, I can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a plant-based cream for a dairy-free option.

Storage/Reheating

I typically store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to enjoy the leftovers, I reheat them gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen up the sauce. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce while sitting, so adding a little extra liquid ensures it stays creamy.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, I would substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy cream, like coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative. For the Parmesan cheese, a dairy-free version can be used, or I can skip it entirely if I prefer a lighter flavor.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! I’ve tried this recipe with a variety of pastas, from spaghetti to penne, fusilli, and farfalle. I just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the type of pasta I’m using.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If I want a thicker sauce, I can cook the pasta a bit longer, allowing more of the liquid to absorb. Alternatively, I can add a bit more Parmesan cheese, which will help thicken the sauce as it melts.

Is this dish spicy?

This dish isn’t inherently spicy, but if I like a little heat, I can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a bit of a kick.

Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

I can certainly use chicken broth if that’s what I have on hand. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Conclusion

Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta has quickly become one of my favorite go-to recipes. It’s creamy, zesty, and satisfying, all while being super simple to prepare. The best part is that I can enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort and cleanup. Whether I’m cooking for myself or sharing with others, this dish is always a winner.

Recipe:

Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta

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Print Recipe

Lemon Parmesan One-Pan Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines creamy Parmesan with the fresh zest of lemon, all made in one pan. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a creamy, tangy pasta with minimal cleanup. With options to customize with chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, this versatile dish will quickly become a family favorite.

Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Instructions

In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the vegetable broth, heavy cream, and pasta to the pan. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.