Meghan Markle Pasta
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 540kcal
One-skillet tomato basil pasta (aka "Meghan Markle pasta") with cream, spinach, and Parmesan—simple, rich, and ready in 30 minutes for a low-effort, big-flavor dinner.
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Equipment
- 1 Large high-sided skillet or Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
- 4 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated, plus more for garnish
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil plus more for serving
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ teaspoon black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and onion and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2–3 minutes, letting them blister slightly and release some of their juices. Season with salt and optional red pepper flakes.
- Add the dry pasta, spreading it out as evenly as possible. Pour in the water or broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 10–12 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Mix until creamy and the sauce clings to the noodles.
- Add 2 cups of fresh baby spinach and fold it in. The residual heat will wilt it perfectly in about 1 minute.
- Taste and season with black pepper and additional salt if needed. Serve hot with more Parmesan and fresh basil on top.
Notes
- Make it vegan: Skip the cream and cheese and stir in a spoonful of cashew cream, some blended silken tofu, or a splash of oat milk for a lighter plant-based version.
- Add veggies: Sauté mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach with the onions for a veggie boost.
Nutrition
Calories: 540kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 765mg | Potassium: 524mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2508IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 182mg | Iron: 2mg
