Single Skillet Spaghetti (Meghan Markle Pasta)
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Meghan Markle’s (ahem, *Sussex*, sorry!) Single Skillet Spaghetti has taken over the internet, and do you want to know my opinion?!
I love it! 😍
The Duchess launched a new show on Netflix, which you may have seen already – With Love, Meghan. In the first episode, she makes this Single Skillet Spaghetti.
If I am being honest, nothing about the dish is highly innovative or new to the food scene. People are actually saying it’s like Martha Stewart’s recipe. But nonetheless, what I love about the Single Skillet Spaghetti is its simplicity, minimal but quality ingredients, and, of course, the convenience of making pasta in one pan or single skillet. It’s a perfect recipe for Spring and Summer and pairs well with most protein options.
I’m a big one pan pasta girly! Some reader favorites are One Pan Boursin Pasta (it’s like adult macaroni and cheese!), One Pan Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Orzo, this One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta is so flavorful, and my One Pot Chicken Marsala Pasta.
Why this recipe works
- Cleanup is minimal!
- It’s made with quality, simple ingredients.
- Cooking the pasta directly in the pot/skillet means the noodles absorb flavor and release starch that thickens the sauce.
- Straightforward recipe that’s easily adaptable.
Table Talk with Tawnie
S-s-s-s-s Single Skillet Spaghetti! Right after watching the first episode of With Love, Meghan I headed to the store to get cherry tomatoes and fresh greens to make it. Turns out, it’s simple but really flavorful and a dish I can totally get behind. I chose to use chicken broth instead of water for a little more flavor, and for the greens I like baby spinach, baby kale, lacianto kale, or arugula. She used Swiss Chard in hers but I knew my girls wouldn’t like that so I opted to leave it out. I also think the dish is missing some shrimp or grilled chicken so definitely serve it up with a yummy protein! What do you think?! Will you make it?!
- Water or broth: Meghan uses boiling water in her original recipe, but I like to use broth for a bit more flavor and depth to the dish.
- Heirloom tomatoes: For more color, go for an heirloom cherry tomato. Plus, when they’re in season, they are so good!
- Olive oil: I’m using 1/4 cup in my recipe. I am not sure Meghan mentioned how much she uses, but a good amount of quality olive oil adds to the yummy sauce.
- Garlic: be sure to use fresh garlic cloves, and not the jarred garlic, for the best flavor. Since we’re using minimal ingredients, it’s important to make sure they’re fresh!
- Spaghetti: Grab a large enough skillet to add in the entire spaghetti pasta, or you can break it in half if needed. I have not tested this recipe with a chickpea noodle or any other varieties.
- Lemon zest adds brightness to the pasta! Use the zest from 1 whole lemon.
- Greens: You can use your favorite greens here. Spinach is a good option. Meghan chose Swiss Chard and rocket. I like baby kale, baby spinach, arugula or lacinato kale.
- Parmesan: for best results, freshly grate it from a block, none of the shelf-stable stuff!
- Salt & Chili flakes: season to taste. The chili flakes are great for just a little heat!
Step by Step Directions
(For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below)
Grab a skillet & add in the tomatoes
Be sure to use a large enough skillet or a deep skillet that will fit everything. Toss in those beautiful halved cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and salt.
It seriously so easy.
Literally place all of the uncooked spaghetti on top of the tomatoes, followed by the lemon zest. Pour some boiling hot water or broth over the top (broth will give some more flavor to the sauce). Cover with a lid and cook for ~6 minutes. Pasta won’t be fully cooked quite yet!
Add greens & Parmesan
Stir in your greens of choice, then lots of Parmesan cheese and chili flakes for a little heat. Stir it all together and cook until the spaghetti is al dente.
HELLO GORGEOUS
Plate up this slurp worthy pasta and garnish with fresh basil and more parmesan cheese. It’s light, refreshing, and so good with grilled chicken or shrimp!
Expert Tips
- Lemon juice or Balsamic: feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end to brighten everything up.
- Choose the right pot: A wider pot (like a Dutch oven or large sauté pan) helps the pasta cook evenly and makes stirring easier.
- Adding enough liquid: I’ve found the sweet spot is between 3 1/2 cups – 4 cups of broth. (or water). We want that luxurious, glossy texture!
Variations / Substitutions
- Swap the spaghetti for a different shape: try linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta.
- Cream: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream towards the end if you’re looking for a little more richness to the sauce.
- Pesto twist: Swirl in a spoonful of basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto at the end for bold, herby flavor.
- Briny boost: Toss in olives, capers, or a bit of anchovy paste for salty depth.
- Protein: this pasta is great on its own, but adding protein really rounds out the meal. Serve with cooked chicken, grilled shrimp, chickpeas, white beans, tofu, salmon, or your favorite protein options.
Storage / Freezing
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. But I love it freshly made on the same day!
- Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
- I don’t recommend freezing this pasta.
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Single Skillet Spaghetti (Meghan Markle Pasta)
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 – 4 cups chicken broth or water
- 16 oz. heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil, good quality
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed through a garlic press
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 lb. spaghetti, uncooked
- zest from 1 lemon
- 2 cups greens (baby spinach, lacinato kale, arugula, etc)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (I use a microplane)
- chili flakes, to taste
- fresh basil, for garnish
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Boil water/broth: bring the water or broth to a boil in a kettle or just in a pot in the stove.3 1/2 – 4 cups chicken broth or water
- Add tomatoes to a large skillet: add the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and salt to a skillet.16 oz. heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved, 1/4 cup olive oil, good quality, 3-4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed through a garlic press , 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Add spaghetti on top: place the uncooked spaghetti pasta directly on top of the tomatoes, followed by the lemon zest.1 lb. spaghetti, uncooked, zest from 1 lemon
- Pour water/broth over: pour the boiling water on top of the spaghetti.
- Cook: cover with a lid, and cook for 6 minutes on medium-high heat.
- Uncover and add greens: remove the lid and give the pasta a stir. It won't be fully cooked yet! Then, stir in the greens. (You can use swiss chard, lacinato kale, spinach, rocket, etc).2 cups greens (baby spinach, lacinato kale, arugula, etc)
- Cook again: allow to cook again, uncovered, until the pasta is al dente or cooked to your preference. Add more liquid if you feel it’s needed to make it saucey and yummy.
- Add parmesan: remove from heat, and stir in the parmesan cheese and chili flakes.chili flakes, to taste, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (I use a microplane)
- Serve: garnish with fresh basil, more parmesan and chili flakes and enjoy!fresh basil, for garnish
Video
Notes
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is automatically calculated. It should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Kroll’s Korner can’t make any guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
📸 Photos by Sierra Ashleigh Photography
So good! So easy to make! Very light which is perfect for spring/summer.
Soooo good! So easy to make and very light perfect for spring/summer. Will definitely make again!
Gorgeous! Looks like it turned out great:) thank you!