Meghan Markle’s Viral One-Pot Pasta Receives a Warm, Homemade Twist
Hi, I’m Irina—a content creator, food photographer, and passionate home cook based in Lyon, France. I’m also a busy mum to my energetic 5-year-old son, who never lets life be dull. When I’m invited to dinner, I’m the kind of guest who brings something a little unexpected, often inspired by the latest viral food trend.
So, when I came across Meghan Markle’s now-famous one-pot pasta from her Netflix documentary With Love, Meghan (which you can watch here), I just had to give it a try.
This dish has quickly taken the internet by storm—and for good reason. It’s a simple, one-pan masterpiece that’s perfect for busy folks who still want a fresh, homemade meal. Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze while delivering maximum flavor. No wonder it’s all over TikTok and YouTube!
More info: irinatisserandstudio.com | Instagram
Let’s get into the recipe!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total: Under 20 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 200g spaghetti
- 250g cherry tomatoes (a mix of orange, yellow, and red works great)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Zest of 1 lemon (add a little juice if you like)
- About 75cl boiling water
- 1 cup grated parmesan
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- A few fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Roasted pistachios (my secret twist!)
How to Make It in 5 Simple Steps:
- Warm up the oil: In a large saucepan, heat a generous splash of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the cherry tomatoes, garlic, lemon zest, a pinch of salt, and the dry spaghetti—let all the ingredients mingle right from the start.
- Add boiling water: Pour in the boiling water (make sure it’s nice and hot!) so the pasta starts cooking immediately and absorbs all those vibrant flavors.
- Simmer the pasta: Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for 6–7 minutes, stirring lightly now and then—just enough to keep things moving without breaking the pasta.
- Add spinach and chili flakes: Stir in the spinach and red chili flakes. Cook uncovered for another 3–4 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish with parmesan: Stir in the grated parmesan until it melts and becomes creamy, creating a luscious sauce.
Enjoy your simple, flavorful one-pot pasta—perfect for busy days when you need something fresh and delicious in under 20 minutes!
Let everything simmer and boil together – the pasta will absorb all the beautiful flavors!
At the very end spoon the pasta into a warm bowl, drizzle it with a touch of good olive oil, and scatter a few fresh basil leaves on top for that fragrant, garden-fresh lift
Then comes the magic touch—crushed roasted pistachios
They add a buttery crunch and a subtle nuttiness that makes every bite sing. It’s the perfect finishing touch that transforms a simple dish into something truly extraordinary.
This dish is a dream for busy weeknights or a slow, cozy lunch when you want something warm, comforting, and full of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
It’s wonderfully versatile—you can swap the spinach for peppery arugula, toss in a handful of sun-dried tomatoes, or add cooked chicken or chickpeas for a satisfying boost of protein. This is one of those rare recipes that feels both effortless and endlessly adaptable—perfect for getting creative, trusting your taste buds, and truly making it your own.
Colorful and irresistibly delicious one-pot pasta!
I tried Meghan’s version, and while it’s already a winner, I couldn’t resist adding my own twist (including one secret ingredient that seriously boosts the flavor—roasted pistachios!).
I also made a few tweaks to streamline the process, making it even more approachable for beginners and busy home cooks alike.
Have you tried it yet? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your favorite secret ingredient in the comments—or even better, tag me in your own version. There’s nothing more inspiring than seeing how everyone adds their own special touch to a dish we all love. Let’s keep the pasta love going!
