If you love simple yet satisfying meals, this Meghan Markle Pasta recipe is a must-try. It’s ultra-fresh, packed with flavor, and requires just a handful of ingredients, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Table of Contents
What is Meghan Markle Pasta?
This pasta dish gained popularity after Meghan Markle shared that it’s one of her go-to meals. It’s a light, yet satisfying one-pot recipe that blends vibrant tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and fresh spinach with a zesty lemon kick. The magic happens as the pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavors! Bonus: Cooking the dish all in one pan is a huge timesaver!
What we love about this dish is that it leans on simple Mediterranean-inspired ingredients to create layers of flavor. The result is a bright, savory bowl of pasta that feels both comforting and refreshing. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize which makes it a great base for whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand.
Ingredients You Need
- Grape Tomatoes – These develop juicy sweetness as they cook, adding a fresh, concentrated tomato flavor to the dish. Be sure to slice them in half before adding them to the pan.
- Garlic Cloves – Choose fresh cloves — mincing them yourself brings out the best aroma and flavor.
- Lemon Zest – Zest adds a bright, citrusy note that balances the richness of the parmesan.
- Boiling Water – Cooking the pasta in minimal water allows it to absorb all the flavors.
- Italian Herbs – A blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Spinach – Adding chopped spinach at the end gives the dish a fresh, slightly earthy flavor and a pop of color.
- Salt – Salt rounds out all the flavors.
- Black Pepper – Ground black pepper adds just the right amount of warmth.
- Pasta (Spaghetti or Linguine) – Long noodles work best for soaking up the light sauce.
- Olive Oil – Oil is essential for sauteing the garlic and cooking the tomatoes. Plus, it coats the pasta beautifully!
- Parmesan Cheese – Nutty parmesan melts into the pasta to give it a salty, umami-packed finish.
How to Make Meghan Markle Pasta
- Saute the garlic and tomatoes. Heat olive oil in a large pan, then cook the garlic and tomatoes until the tomatoes start to soften and begin to release their juices.
- Add the lemon zest and seasonings. Stir in the lemon zest, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the pasta in the same pan. Add the boiling water and the pasta. Stir occasionally, letting the noodles absorb the liquid as they cook.
- Stir in the spinach. Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced, mix in the spinach and continue to cook until it’s wilted.
- Finish with parmesan. Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese, stir to combine, then remove from the stovetop and serve immediately.
Variations
- Protein – Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta for a heartier meal.
- Vegan – Swap parmesan for nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Heat – A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a spicy kick!
- Whole Wheat Pasta – This adds extra fiber and a nuttier taste.
- Different Greens – Kale or arugula make great substitutes for spinach if you want a slightly different texture.
- Mushrooms – Sauteed mushrooms add earthiness and pair perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Balsamic Glaze – A little drizzle at the end enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
Can I Store Leftovers?
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have leftovers, they may absorb more liquid and become slightly softer.
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
We don’t recommend freezing this dish — the texture of the pasta loses its firmness when thawed.
Common Questions about Meghan Markle Pasta
Yes! Cherry tomatoes work just as well and will provide the same burst of sweetness and touch of acidity.
Yes, simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Just be sure to check the cooking time since it may vary.
Cooking the pasta in the same pan allows it to absorb more flavor, but if you prefer, you can cook it separately and toss it with the sauce at the end. This is ideal if you think you’re going to have leftovers — then you can store the sauce and the pasta separately.
If you’re looking for an alternative to parmesan, try Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or feta for a tangy twist.
More Easy Pasta Recipes
If you know us, you know we adore an easy, quick pasta recipe. These are more of our favorites!
Meghan Markle Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups grape tomatoes halved
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 cups boiling water
- 12 ounces pasta spaghetti or linguine
- 2 teaspoons Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups spinach chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and halved grape tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften. Stir in the lemon zest for a fresh, bright flavor.2 cups grape tomatoes, 4 garlic cloves, 2 Tablespoons olive oil, Zest of 1 lemon
- Pour in the boiling water and add the pasta, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.4 cups boiling water, 2 teaspoons Italian herbs, 1 teaspoon salt, 12 ounces pasta, ½ teaspoon pepper
- Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until the water is mostly absorbed and the pasta is tender (about 10-12 minutes).
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.2 cups spinach
- Add 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Remove from heat and serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Equipment
Notes
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Nutrition
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Wow!! Delicious!!!! Thank you for your recipes!!!
You’re very welcome, Leticia! We’re so glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Lots of flavor in a super easy dish! I used kale instead of spinach, added a can of chickpeas, and more salt. Very very yummy!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Holly! Thank you for trying it out and taking the time to leave a review. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I made the pasta and it was absolutely delicious! It was so flavorful, super easy, and I love the one pot idea for easy cleanup! 🩷
Thank you! We’re so glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
I loved the recipe, thanks for sharing! Can you please share who makes your white pot with gold handles in the photos , it’s lovely!
Thank you, Elle! We’re so glad you enjoyed it. 😊
The pot is Williams Sonoma!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
This pasta has gone viral for a reason! It’s SO good! 😍