Meghan Markle’s one-pot pasta is a simple, quick recipe featured in her Netflix series “With Love, Meghan.” It’s a family favorite that combines fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, dried spaghetti, lemon zest and juice, and boiling water in a single skillet. As the pasta cooks, the starchy water and added cheese create a naturally creamy sauce without any heavy cream or butter.

The dish is completed by adding greens like Swiss chard or kale at the end, along with a sprinkle of Parmesan or feta cheese. The entire recipe requires only one pot, minimal cleanup, and less than 20 minutes of hands-on preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknights, students, or anyone seeking a quick, nutritious meal.

Meghan Markle’s one-pot pasta has gained widespread popularity for several key reasons:

• Extreme simplicity: Everything cooks in one skillet—no separate boiling, draining, or multiple pots to clean.
• Minimal cleanup: Only one pan is needed, making it perfect for small kitchens or those who dislike doing dishes.
• Quick preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes with just 10 minutes of prep time.
• Healthy ingredients: Focuses on fresh, whole foods like cherry tomatoes, garlic, lemon, and leafy greens instead of processed sauces.
• Visually appealing: The vibrant colors of red/yellow tomatoes, green kale, and golden cheese make it highly shareable on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
• Accessible: Uses common ingredients and simple techniques that even novice cooks can master.

These factors align perfectly with modern cooking trends favoring quick, healthy, one-pot meals.

The original recipe as shown in “With Love, Meghan” includes:

• 1 pound (450g) dried spaghetti or bucatini
• 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes (a mix of red, yellow, and orange for visual appeal)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3-4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 3½ cups boiling water (or vegetable broth for enhanced flavor)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon (½ juice added during cooking, rest to finish)
• 1 cup chopped greens (Swiss chard, kale, or spinach)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or grated Parmesan cheese
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

This combination creates a light, fresh, and surprisingly filling pasta dish that feels luxurious without using cream or butter.

The creamy sauce in Meghan Markle’s one-pot pasta forms naturally through a combination of scientific processes:

• Starchy pasta water: As the spaghetti cooks in the same pot as the other ingredients, it releases starch into the water, creating a naturally thick, silky liquid.
• Cheese emulsification: When Parmesan or feta is stirred in at the end, the fat and proteins in the cheese bind with the starchy water to create an emulsified, creamy sauce.
• Tomato breakdown: As the cherry tomatoes cook and burst, they release their juices and natural pectin, contributing to the sauce’s body.
• Lemon juice: The acidity helps balance the richness and enhances the mouthfeel.

Some people find the original recipe “bland” or lacking depth, particularly when using:

• Plain water instead of broth: Water provides hydration but no flavor foundation.
• Low-quality Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents and lacks the complexity of freshly grated aged Parmesan.
• Insufficient seasoning: Not enough salt, lemon, or aromatics to balance the flavors.
• Under-sautéed vegetables: Raw garlic and uncooked tomatoes can create a flat flavor profile.

As dietician Sarah Cobacho notes, “The recipe is intentionally simple, but that simplicity means flavor enhancements make a significant difference.” The dish relies heavily on the quality of ingredients and proper technique to shine.

You can significantly enhance the flavor without complicating the one-pot method:

• Use vegetable broth instead of water: Provides a richer, more savory base. For a quick version, dissolve a bouillon cube in hot water.
• Sauté vegetables properly: Cook tomatoes and garlic for 5-7 minutes before adding pasta to caramelize and intensify flavors.
• Add protein: Stir in 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas, lentils, white beans, or grilled chicken for more depth and satiety.
• Finish with fresh herbs: Add chopped basil, parsley, or oregano at the end for brightness.
• Use high-quality cheese: Try aged Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or a vegan nutritional yeast alternative.
• Drizzle with premium olive oil: A small amount of high-quality olive oil added before serving deepens the flavor.
• Don’t skip the lemon: Both zest and juice are essential for balancing richness and adding vibrancy.

These upgrades transform the dish from simple to sensational while preserving its quick, one-pot nature.

Even simple recipes can go wrong. Key mistakes to avoid:

• Using a pan that’s too small: A 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven is ideal. Smaller pans cause overflow and uneven cooking.
• Not using enough liquid: Ensure pasta is completely submerged. Add more water or broth if liquid evaporates too quickly.
• Skipping the lemon: Lemon zest and juice are essential for balancing the richness and adding brightness.
• Overcooking the pasta: Remove from heat as soon as pasta reaches al dente. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy.
• Not stirring occasionally: Stir every few minutes, especially during the first 5 minutes, to prevent sticking.
• Rushing the sauté: Let tomatoes cook down to release their natural sweetness and create a better flavor base.
• Adding greens too early: Stir in delicate greens at the very end to prevent overcooking and nutrient loss.

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures perfect texture and flavor every time.

Yes, the recipe is highly adaptable to various dietary needs:

Gluten-Free:

• Use brown rice pasta, quinoa pasta, or corn-based spaghetti.
• Note: Cooking times may vary, so check package instructions.

Vegan:

• Swap Parmesan for vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast.
• Use plant-based broth instead of water.
• For creaminess, add a spoonful of cashew cream or blended white beans.

Other adaptations:

• Dairy-Free: Omit cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
• Low-Carb: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles.
• Higher Protein: Add legumes, tofu, or tempeh.

The flexible nature of this recipe makes it accessible to almost any dietary preference.

To make the dish more filling and nutritionally balanced, consider these protein and fiber boosts:

• Chickpeas: Add 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas (as suggested by Plant Baes) for 15g+ protein and 12g+ fiber per serving.
• Lentils: Stir in 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils for earthy flavor and fiber.
• White beans: Cannellini or great northern beans add creaminess and protein.
• Grilled chicken: Add 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast for a complete protein boost.
• Tofu or tempeh: Cubed and pan-seared for a plant-based protein option.
• Nuts and seeds: Top with toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for crunch and healthy fats.

These additions transform the dish from a simple side to a complete, satisfying meal that keeps you full longer.

The base recipe is incredibly versatile. Popular variations include:

• Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or sliced fresh chili peppers.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a spoonful of coconut milk, cashew cream, or Greek yogurt at the end.
• Seafood Twist: Add cooked shrimp or scallops in the last few minutes of cooking.
• Mediterranean Style: Include olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts.
• Seasonal Greens: Swap kale for spinach, arugula, or Swiss chard depending on availability.
• Herb-Infused: Add fresh basil, oregano, or dill during cooking for different flavor profiles.
• Citrus Variations: Substitute lemon with lime or orange for a different citrus note.

You can also experiment with different pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or linguine for varied textures.

While best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead and store leftovers:

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Chop vegetables and store in airtight containers for 2-3 days.
• Prepare a flavor base by sautéing tomatoes and garlic, then refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• The pasta will absorb liquid over time, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

Reheating:

• On the stove: Gently warm in a skillet with a little water or broth, stirring frequently.
• In the microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between, and adding liquid as needed.
• Avoid boiling, which can make the pasta mushy.

Note: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the pasta and vegetables deteriorates upon thawing.

While many one-pot pasta recipes exist, Meghan Markle’s version stands out for several reasons:

• Fresh tomato base: Unlike recipes that use jarred sauce or canned tomatoes, this uses fresh cherry tomatoes that burst and create a bright, garden-fresh flavor.
• Lemon-forward profile: The generous use of lemon zest and juice creates a distinctive brightness not found in most pasta dishes.
• Greens integration: The addition of hearty greens like kale or Swiss chard adds nutrition and color uncommon in simple pasta recipes.
• No cream or butter: Achieves creaminess naturally through starchy water and cheese, making it lighter than most creamy pastas.
• Celebrity origin: Its association with Meghan Markle has given it cultural significance and widespread media attention.
• Minimalist approach: Uses very few ingredients, relying on quality and technique rather than complexity.

These elements combine to create a dish that’s simultaneously simple, fresh, and visually appealing—perfect for modern home cooking.