Creamy Easy One Pot Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Who doesn’t love a meal that tastes amazing, is easy to make, and needs only one pot to clean? You’re going to love this! Our one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta is a true kitchen hero.
This simple one pot meal is perfect for busy people who want to cook something tasty without spending too much time. Get ready to enjoy the creamy, zesty, and cheesy flavor of this pasta that will make you want another serving!

Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this tasty one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta, you will need:
- 12 oz (340g) linguine or spaghetti
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot or deep pan, add the pasta, broth, olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon zest.
- Heat the mixture on high until it starts to boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it cook slowly.
- Cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring often so the pasta doesn’t stick.
- As it cooks, the liquid will slowly turn into a creamy sauce.
- When the pasta is soft but still firm (al dente) and most of the liquid is gone, turn off the heat.
- Mix in the lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Add chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Let it sit for 2–3 minutes so the sauce can thicken.
- Serve hot and top with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes if you like.
Tips for Perfect One Pot Pasta Every Time
- Choose the right pot size: Use a pot that is wide enough to keep the pasta flat while cooking.
- Liquid-to-pasta ratio: Add a little more liquid than you think you need. You can always cook it longer if there’s too much.
- Stir often: Stir the pasta often, especially at the start, to stop it from sticking together.
- Check taste and texture: Taste the pasta as it cooks and adjust the seasoning. If the sauce is too thick, add a little broth. If it’s too thin, let it cook for a bit more.

Variations and Customizations
Want to change up your one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta? Try these easy and tasty ideas:
- Vegetarian or vegan option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Gluten-free choice: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Spicy version: Add a little red pepper flakes or cayenne for a bit of heat.
- Add veggies: Mix in cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus for extra color and flavor.
Nutritional Benefits of This Dish
This one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta is not only tasty but also healthy!
- Parmesan cheese gives you protein that helps you stay full longer.
- Fresh lemon adds vitamin C, which helps keep your immune system strong.
- Garlic gives extra health support with its natural immune-boosting power.
- Pasta provides good carbohydrates that give you energy for your busy day.
Pairing Suggestions
Make your one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta even more special with these simple pairings:
- Wine: A light Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay goes perfectly with the lemon and garlic flavors.
- Salad: Try a fresh arugula salad with a lemon dressing to balance the creamy pasta.
- Bread: Enjoy it with garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the tasty sauce.
- Dessert: Finish your meal with something sweet like lemon sorbet or vanilla panna cotta.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Keep your one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta fresh and tasty with these easy tips:
- Store leftovers: Place in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm it slowly on the stove with a little water or broth to make the sauce creamy again.
- Freeze: You can freeze it for up to 1 month, but it tastes best fresh. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Meal prep: If you plan to eat it later, cook the pasta a little firm (al dente) so it stays perfect when reheated.
There you have it – your new favorite recipe for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours cooking!
Our one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta is the perfect mix of easy cooking and rich flavor. It’s creamy, zesty, and super satisfying.
With only one pot to wash, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your meal. Try it tonight – your taste buds and your kitchen will be happy!
Don’t forget to share your one pot pasta on social media and tag us. We’d love to see how you make this dish your own. Happy cooking!
One Pot Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Course: MainCuisine: Italian4
servings10
minutes15
minutes450
kcal25
minutesOur One Pot Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the best weeknight dinner idea. It’s quick, easy, and full of delicious flavor.
With only one pot and about 25 minutes, you can make a meal that tastes just like it came from a restaurant — simple, creamy, and satisfying!
Ingredients
12 oz 340g linguine or spaghetti
4 cups 960ml chicken or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 2 lemons
1 cup 100g grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup 60ml heavy cream
¼ cup 15g fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep pan, mix the pasta, broth, olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon zest.
- Bring it to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it cook slowly.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring often so the pasta doesn’t stick together.
- As it cooks, the liquid will slowly turn into a creamy sauce.
- When the pasta is soft but still firm (al dente) and most of the liquid is gone, turn off the heat.
- Add the lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream, then mix well.
- Stir in chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Let the pasta sit for 2–3 minutes so the sauce can thicken.
- Serve hot and top with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes if you like.
Keyword
- One Pot Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta
FAQ’s
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti. If you use shorter pasta, just adjust the cooking time a little.
How can I make it less lemony?
You can reduce the amount of lemon juice and lemon zest to match your taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It tastes best when fresh, but you can make it early and reheat it gently. Add a small splash of broth to make the sauce creamy again.
