One-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta

Featured in: Everyday Dinners

This bright pasta combines fresh lemon juice, zest, and a blend of aromatic herbs for a lively flavor profile. Garlic, onion, and cherry tomatoes enrich the base, simmered together with pasta in vegetable broth for a tender, infused dish. Finished with fresh parsley, basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it offers minimal cleanup without sacrificing taste. Ideal for a quick, satisfying meal that brings Italian-inspired freshness to your table.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:19:00 GMT
Delicious One-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta steaming in a vibrant skillet, garnished with fresh herbs.  Save to Pinterest
Delicious One-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta steaming in a vibrant skillet, garnished with fresh herbs. | bloomoven.com

A vibrant and zesty pasta dish cooked in a single pot, bursting with fresh herbs and bright lemon flavor. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.

I love making this pasta when I want a delicious meal without a big mess in the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) spaghetti or linguine, 1.2 L (5 cups) vegetable broth
  • Vegetables & Aromatics: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced, 1 small yellow onion finely chopped, 150 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes halved, Zest of 1 lemon, Juice of 1 large lemon
  • Herbs & Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, 30 g (½ cup) fresh parsley chopped, 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
  • Garnish: 50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese (or vegetarian alternative), Extra lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Step 2:
Add cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
Step 3:
Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add pasta, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine ensuring pasta is submerged.
Step 4:
Cook uncovered stirring frequently for 10 to 12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Add a splash more broth or water if needed.
Step 5:
Stir in fresh parsley and basil reserving a little for garnish. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 6:
Serve immediately topped with grated Parmesan, extra herbs, and lemon slices if desired.
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| bloomoven.com

This recipe always brings my family together for a cozy meal full of fresh flavors and smiles.

Notes

For extra protein add cooked chickpeas grilled chicken or shrimp. To make vegan use a plant-based Parmesan alternative. Try with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as desired. Excellent paired with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Required Tools

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, chefs knife, cutting board, zester, wooden spoon or spatula

Nutritional Information

Calories 390, total fat 10 g, carbohydrates 62 g, protein 13 g per serving

Zesty One-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta in a large bowl, topped with grated Parmesan and lemon slices.  Save to Pinterest
Zesty One-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta in a large bowl, topped with grated Parmesan and lemon slices. | bloomoven.com

This easy one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want fresh flavors without fuss.

Recipe FAQs

What pasta types work best for this dish?

Long pasta like spaghetti or linguine absorbs the broth well and cooks evenly in one pot, making them ideal choices.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, fresh parsley and basil are stirred in near the end for brightness, while dried oregano and basil are added earlier to infuse deeper flavor.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir frequently during cooking to keep pasta submerged and avoid sticking, and add more broth or water if needed.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Absolutely, simply replace Parmesan with a plant-based alternative or omit it for a vegan-friendly finish.

What proteins pair well with this pasta?

Cooked chickpeas, grilled chicken, or shrimp complement the lemon herb flavors nicely for added protein.

One-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta

Bright pasta infused with fresh lemon, herbs, and vegetables cooked in one pot for quick, flavorful meals.

Prep Duration
10 min
Cook Duration
15 min
Entire Time
25 min
Created by Rachel Moore

Recipe Group Everyday Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Italian-inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Pasta

01 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
02 5 cups vegetable broth

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
03 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 Zest of 1 lemon
06 Juice of 1 large lemon

Herbs & Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon dried oregano
02 1 teaspoon dried basil
03 ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
04 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
05 ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
06 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Garnish

01 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegetarian alternative
02 Extra lemon slices (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Step 02

Cook tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 03

Combine liquids and seasonings: Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add pasta, lemon zest and juice, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, ensuring pasta is fully submerged.

Step 04

Simmer pasta: Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 10 to 12 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed. Add additional broth or water if necessary to prevent sticking.

Step 05

Finish with fresh herbs: Stir in chopped parsley and basil, reserving a small amount for garnish. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 06

Serve with garnish: Plate immediately, topped with grated Parmesan, remaining herbs, and optional lemon slices.

Essential Tools

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Zester
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Notes

Review ingredients to spot any allergens and ask your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (Parmesan cheese). Use gluten-free pasta and dairy alternatives for allergen-free versions.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Use this info as a reference only; it doesn’t replace health guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 390
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Proteins: 13 g