This One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta is incredibly straightforward and quick to prepare. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fact that everything cooks together in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor infusion. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious and satisfying meal:

1. Prepare the Garlic and Lemon: Begin by mincing the garlic cloves finely. This ensures the garlic flavor infuses evenly into the pasta and sauce. Next, zest the lemon using a microplane or fine grater, being careful to only zest the yellow part and avoid the bitter white pith. After zesting, juice the lemon and set both the zest and juice aside. Having these prepared in advance will streamline the cooking process.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Pot: In a large, deep pot or Dutch oven, combine the pasta, vegetable broth, water, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed in the pot. Using a large pot is crucial as the pasta will expand as it cooks, and you want to avoid overcrowding.
3. Bring to a Boil and Simmer: Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, stir well to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. It’s important to keep the mixture simmering and not boiling too vigorously, as this can cause the liquid to evaporate too quickly and the pasta to cook unevenly.
4. Cook Pasta Until Al Dente: Continue to simmer the pasta, uncovered, for approximately 15-20 minutes, or according to the package directions for your chosen pasta shape. Stir frequently throughout the cooking process to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and to prevent sticking. As the pasta cooks, it will absorb the liquid, and the sauce will thicken. The goal is to cook the pasta until it is al dente, meaning it is cooked through but still has a slight firmness to the bite. Overcooking will result in mushy pasta and a less desirable texture.
5. Check for Sauce Consistency and Adjust Seasoning: As the pasta nears completion, check the sauce consistency. It should be creamy and slightly thickened, coating the pasta nicely. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to thin it out. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, continue to simmer for a few more minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken further. Taste the pasta and sauce, and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to achieve your desired flavor profile. Remember that the flavors will meld together as the pasta rests for a few minutes after cooking.
6. Stir in Fresh Parsley and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked to al dente and the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. This adds a burst of freshness and vibrant color to the dish. Serve the One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta immediately while it is hot and creamy. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if desired) before serving.
7. Optional: Add Protein or Vegetables (Post-Cooking): While this recipe is delicious as is, you can easily enhance it by adding cooked vegetables or protein after the pasta is cooked. Consider stirring in sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or grilled vegetables for added nutrients and flavor. For protein, cooked shrimp, grilled chicken (though this recipe is intended to be vegetarian), or white beans can be added. Adding these elements after cooking ensures they retain their texture and flavor without overcooking in the pasta sauce.