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    One Pan Lemon Garlic Pasta

    One Pan Lemon Garlic Pasta (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

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    If you're looking for a quick, delicious weeknight dinner that requires minimal effort and barely any cleanup — this One Pan Lemon Garlic Pasta is about to become your new best friend.
    With just 5 simple ingredients and one pan, you'll have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in under 20 minutes. No draining, no fuss, pure flavor.
    Why You'll Love This Recipe
    ✅ Ready in 20 minutes
    ✅ Only 5 ingredients
    ✅ One pan = easy cleanup
    ✅ Budget-friendly
    ✅ Vegetarian
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Servings: 2
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian
    Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • Ingredients serves 2
    • 200 g spaghetti or any long pasta
    • 4 cloves of garlic thinly sliced
    • 1 lemon zest + juice
    • 3 tbsp olive oil
    • Salt & black pepper to taste
    • Optional: a handful of fresh parsley and parmesan for serving

    Equipment

    • Equipment You’ll Need
    • For this recipe, a good non-stick pan makes all the difference. I used this non-stick pan – makes cleanup so much easier!
    • A reliable box grater is also handy for the lemon zest and parmesan. I recommand this box grater!

    Method
     

    1. Step 1 – Cook the pasta
      Add your spaghetti to a large pan. Pour in enough water to just cover the pasta (about 500ml). Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
    2. Step 2 – Add garlic & lemon
      When the pasta is about halfway cooked (around 5 minutes), add the sliced garlic and lemon zest directly into the pan. Stir well and let everything cook together.
    3. Step 3 – Finish with olive oil
      Once almost all the water has been absorbed and the pasta is al dente, remove from heat. Drizzle in the olive oil and squeeze in the lemon juice. Toss everything together until silky and well coated.
    4. Step 4 – Season & serve
      Season generously with salt and black pepper. Top with fresh parsley and parmesan if using. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Tips & Variations
    • Add protein: Toss in some pan-fried shrimp or grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
    • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes with the garlic.
    • Go creamy: Stir in 2 tbsp of cream cheese at the end for a richer sauce.
    • No lemon? A splash of white wine works beautifully too.
    Storage
    This pasta is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water in a pan over low heat.
    Final Thoughts
    This One Pan Lemon Garlic Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. It’s light, bright, and bursting with flavor — perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without the hassle.
    Give it a try and let me know in the comments how it turned out! 🍋🍝
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