It’s the pasta dish that has taken social media by storm with over 80 million views worldwide—my Lemon & Garlic One Pan Pasta! This recipe is part of my viral one-pan pasta series, where the pasta gets toasted in a skillet before being simmered in savory chicken broth instead of plain water. The result? A rich, flavorful base that’s both comforting and bursting with zesty citrus goodness.
The Secret to the Flavor
The unique method of toasting the pasta first gives it a nutty, golden flavor you won’t find in traditional pasta dishes. As the pasta cooks directly in chicken broth, it absorbs layers of savory depth. To finish, I kept things simple and fresh—adding bright lemon juice and creamy butter to enhance the garlicky sauce. It’s proof that sometimes the best recipes are also the most straightforward.
Easy to Customize
This one-pan pasta is incredibly versatile. You can top it with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of freshness, add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or mix in sautéed vegetables like zucchini or spinach. Once you’ve mastered the toasting method, you can get creative with flavors to suit any craving.
The Right Pan for One-Pan Pasta
Because this recipe all comes together in a single skillet, the pan you use makes a huge difference. I highly recommend the Caraway Nonstick Ceramic 10.5-inch Fry Pan (around $95 on Amazon), which is the one I use in nearly all of my videos. It ensures even cooking and prevents the pasta from sticking, plus cleanup is a breeze.
A Simple, Crowd-Pleasing Pasta
Whether you’re making dinner for your family, planning a quick weeknight meal, or craving something bright and cozy, this Lemon & Garlic One Pan Pasta is a dish you’ll come back to again and again. It’s fresh, flavorful, and so easy—you’ll see why millions of people are obsessed with it!
How to Store and Reheat Lemon & Garlic One Pan Pasta
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth, cream, or water to loosen the sauce. If microwaving, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as cream- and citrus-based sauces can separate once thawed.
Troubleshooting Tips for Perfect Pasta
- Pasta Overcooked: Since the pasta cooks directly in broth, keep an eye on it and check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested cook time.
- Sauce Too Thin: Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or stir in a little Parmesan cheese to thicken.
- Sauce Too Thick: Add an extra splash of broth, cream, or lemon juice to bring back a silky texture.
- Too Tangy: If the lemon flavor feels overpowering, balance it with a little more butter or Parmesan.
- Garlic Burning: Toast garlic gently over medium-low heat to keep it fragrant without turning bitter.
Lemon and Garlic One Pan Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp olive oil may need to add more after adding pasta to fully coat noodles
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cups mini shells
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 lemon (juice)
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- ground pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- On medium heat, add 4 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp minced garlic to a nonstick fry pan
- Once garlic has begun to brown, add in 2 cups small shells (uncooked) and coat in oil/garlic. Stir occasionally until pasta becomes toasted
- Once toasted, add 2 tbsp (slabs) butter and a big squeeze of lemon juice
- In the same pan, pour in 2 cups chicken broth and bring heat to medium-high
- Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until all the broth has been absorbed into the pasta. Salt & pepper to taste
