Meghan Markle’s One-Pot Pasta — Weeknight Dinner Simplified

If you’ve ever wanted to cook like royalty without spending hours in the kitchen, Meghan Markle’s One-Pot Pasta is the perfect recipe for you. Simple, flavorful, and wholesome, this dish combines fresh vegetables, herbs, and pasta all in one pot for a quick yet satisfying meal. Inspired by Meghan’s love for fresh, healthy, and fuss-free cooking, this recipe is ideal for weeknights, busy schedules, or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

• 350g (12 oz) spaghetti or linguine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced into half-moons
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian option)
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients
   Wash and chop all vegetables. Slice garlic and onion thinly so they cook quickly and evenly. Halve cherry tomatoes and cut zucchini into thin half-moons. Set aside.
2. Choose the right pot
   Select a large, wide-bottomed pot or deep skillet. This allows pasta and vegetables to cook evenly without sticking together.
3. Layer the ingredients
   Place the dry pasta in the pot. Arrange garlic, onion, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and zucchini evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle in oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the broth
   Pour the vegetable broth over the pasta and vegetables. The liquid should just about cover everything. If needed, add a little extra water or broth.
5. Bring to a boil
   Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir gently using tongs to prevent pasta from sticking.
6. Simmer and stir
   Once boiling, reduce heat to medium. Continue cooking uncovered for 9–12 minutes, stirring frequently so pasta cooks evenly and the starch releases into the broth, creating a natural creamy sauce.
7. Check doneness
   Taste the pasta to ensure it’s cooked al dente. If the broth has reduced too much before the pasta is done, add a splash of hot water and continue cooking.
8. Finish with fresh basil
   Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed into a light sauce, remove from heat. Stir in chopped basil for a burst of freshness.
9. Serve immediately
   Transfer to plates, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and drizzle a little extra olive oil for richness.

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Serving Tips

• Serve with crusty garlic bread for a heartier meal.
• Pair with a light side salad for extra freshness.
• For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

Variations & Upgrades to make Meghan Markle’s One-Pot Pasta even better

Craving more substance or flavor? Try these protein boosts:

• Add pre-cooked shrimp for ~35 g protein per serving SELF.
• Toss in rotisserie chicken or canned tuna for extra heft.

Inspired by Italian “pasta risottata” (pasta cooked like risotto), chefs praise the efficiency and flavor — fewer pots, more sauce Danilo CortelliniThe Guardian.

Want more vegetables or legumes? Try these adaptations:

• Add cannellini beans and extra greens for garnish.
• Swap water for broth and include stock cube for richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions & Tips for Meghan Markle’s One-Pot Pasta

• Use hot water: It speeds cooking and helps the sauce emulsify.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• If sauce is too thin, let it rest — it thickens as it cools.
• Store leftovers covered in the fridge ≤ 3 days; reheat with water or oil.

Meghan Markle’s One-Pot Pasta : A Royal Twist on a Simple Weeknight Meal

Meghan Markle may be known for her elegance and philanthropy, but she also has a down-to-earth love for easy, comforting meals. One dish that stands out from her kitchen is her famous one-pan pasta — a recipe that’s as fuss-free as it is delicious. It’s the perfect example of how you can create something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.

This dish starts with a base of spaghetti or linguine, simmered directly in a shallow pan with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. By cooking everything together, the pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce as it softens, creating a rich and harmonious taste. Meghan has mentioned that she loves using fresh herbs like basil and oregano to brighten the dish, giving it a fresh, garden-like aroma.

One of the secrets to its appeal is the simplicity — there’s no need to boil pasta in one pot and make sauce in another. The starch released from the pasta naturally thickens the sauce, creating a silky texture without added cream. For a nutritional boost, Meghan sometimes tosses in spinach or zucchini, adding both color and vitamins.

This recipe isn’t just about taste; it’s also about sharing. Meghan has described her love for cooking as a way to connect with friends and family, and a one-pan pasta is perfect for communal dining. Just bring the pan to the table, sprinkle with parmesan, and let everyone dig in.

If you want to make it your own, try experimenting with seasonal vegetables or swapping regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free varieties. A pinch of chili flakes can add gentle heat, while roasted cherry tomatoes bring a touch of sweetness. Pair it with a crisp salad and a glass of wine for a well-rounded meal.

Whether you’re a royal watcher, a busy home cook, or simply someone who enjoys quick but satisfying meals, Meghan Markle’s one-pot pasta is proof that elegance and simplicity can live happily on the same plate.

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