Meghan Markle One Pot Pasta: The Easy, Flavor-Packed Dinner You’ll Love
There’s something comforting about Meghan Markle one pot pasta that fits perfectly into my cozy Asheville kitchen. I first heard about it while unwinding after a long day, watching Meghan share it on her Netflix series. Its simplicity spoke to me — a dish where spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and greens come together effortlessly in one pot. It’s the kind of meal that lets you stay present and enjoy the process, a midweek gift that’s as easy as it is satisfying.
What drew me to Meghan Markle one pot pasta wasn’t just the ease. It reminded me of cooking with my grandmother—where a single pot simmered on the stove, filling the house with warmth. Meghan’s version is humble, using fresh, wholesome ingredients like basil, Swiss chard, and lemon zest that create layers of flavor without complication. When I tried it, I found myself improvising too—adding chickpeas for a boost of protein and swapping in vegetable stock for extra depth. And let me tell you, that first bite was everything I hoped for: simple, nourishing, and full of flavor.
If you love easy recipes that come together in one pan, you’ll want to explore Meghan Markle Pasta Recipe or check out the hearty dishes in our Cooking Style Category on Trendy Recipes Hub.
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Table of Contents

The Key Ingredients Behind Meghan Markle One Pot Pasta’s Unique Flavor
What sets Meghan Markle one pot pasta apart is its clever use of simple, fresh ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. At the heart of this dish are cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil. The tomatoes break down as they simmer, creating a natural, slightly sweet sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Garlic adds depth, while fresh basil gives it that signature fragrant finish. When I first tried this dish in my kitchen just outside Asheville, I was amazed at how these humble ingredients transformed into something so comforting. Meghan Markle one pot pasta doesn’t rely on heavy sauces or complicated steps — just good ingredients cooked together the right way.
Another standout is the use of spelt pasta, which brings a nutty flavor and extra nutrients. Combined with lemon zest, red chili flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil, the pasta soaks up every bit of the broth, creating a dish that’s bright and satisfying. I love how Meghan’s original version keeps it minimal but leaves plenty of room for home cooks to get creative. Personally, I always toss in a handful of extra greens or a squeeze of lemon at the end — little tweaks that make the dish my own.
If you’re into meals that balance flavor and nutrition, check out our Dessert collection and don’t miss our Easy Meals for more ideas that’ll save time without sacrificing taste.
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Meghan Markle One Pot Pasta: The Simple Recipe Everyone Loves
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Meghan Markle one pot pasta is a simple, wholesome dish made with fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and pasta. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
1.5 tbsp olive oil
2 Swiss chard leaves (stems and leaves separated and chopped)
2 cups cherry tomatoes (orange and red, halved)
2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
7 oz dry spelt spaghetti
Zest of 1 lemon
3.5 cups boiling water or vegetable broth
1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (optional)
1/2 tsp red chili flakes
2 tbsp parmesan or vegan parmesan
Fresh basil (hand-torn)
Sea salt flakes, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
Instructions
1. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté tomatoes, garlic, and chard stems for 5 minutes.
2. Add pasta, lemon zest, chickpeas, chili flakes, and broth; cover and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add chard leaves and stir; cook for another 3-4 minutes until pasta is done.
4. Stir in basil, lemon juice, and parmesan.
5. Adjust seasoning; serve topped with pine nuts.
Notes
Use gluten-free pasta if desired.
For extra protein, increase chickpeas or add lentils.
Vegetable broth enhances flavor more than water.
Add extra chili flakes for a spicier kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Plant-Based
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Mastering the Art of Meghan Markle One Pot Pasta at Home
Cooking Meghan Markle one pot pasta is all about timing and building layers of flavor. Start by sautéing garlic, cherry tomatoes, and Swiss chard stems in olive oil to create a rich, aromatic base. Then add the pasta, chickpeas, and broth so everything cooks together, blending beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help the pasta absorb the flavorful liquid. It’s a simple method, but each step adds to the dish’s final, delicious taste.
Another tip for success? Add your kale, chard leaves, and basil at just the right moment. These greens don’t need long to cook, and adding them in the last few minutes keeps them vibrant and tender rather than overdone. Don’t forget that finishing touch of lemon juice and vegan parmesan — they brighten the dish and bring all the flavors into balance. I love how this meal fills the kitchen with a cozy aroma, reminding me why one-pot recipes like this are such a hit in my home.
If you’re looking for more plant-based inspiration, don’t miss our Cottage Cheese Waffle recipe or discover new favorites in our Crock Pot Corned Beef Recipe.

Why Meghan Markle One Pot Pasta Captured Hearts Everywhere
It’s easy to see why Meghan Markle one pot pasta has become such a viral sensation. At its core, this dish combines simplicity with the kind of nourishing comfort we all crave on busy nights. With everything cooked in a single pot, it eliminates the hassle of multiple pans and reduces cleanup — a feature that home cooks, including myself, can’t help but appreciate. But beyond practicality, Meghan Markle one pot pasta offers flexibility. Whether you stick to the original ingredients or experiment with your own add-ins, it invites creativity without the fear of messing it up. That’s part of the magic that keeps people coming back to this recipe.
Of course, the internet loves a good debate, and this dish sparked plenty. Some folks praised it for being quick and satisfying, while others felt it lacked enough seasoning or complexity. But I think that’s what makes Meghan Markle one pot pasta so beloved: it’s a blank canvas. From adding fresh mozzarella, like one reader suggested, to spicing it up with extra chili flakes or fresh herbs, the possibilities are endless. And at the end of the day, it’s a meal that brings people together — something we can all get behind.
Conclusion
Meghan Markle one pot pasta isn’t just another viral recipe — it’s a reminder that simple food can be deeply satisfying. Whether you stick with Meghan’s minimalist approach or make it your own with added chickpeas, extra greens, or your favorite pasta type, this dish offers flexibility and flavor with every pot. For me, it’s become a go-to in my North Carolina kitchen whenever I want a nourishing meal without the mess. I hope you’ll try it and see how easily it can fit into your own weekly rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meghan Markle One Pot Pasta
What makes Meghan Markle’s one pot pasta unique?
Meghan Markle one pot pasta stands out for its minimalist approach that delivers maximum comfort. By cooking everything—pasta, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and greens—in a single pot, the flavors blend together naturally, creating a simple yet satisfying dish. The use of fresh herbs, lemon zest, and quality olive oil adds layers of brightness without needing a heavy sauce. Plus, the easy one-pot method means fewer dishes and less fuss, making it perfect for busy nights.
How do you cook Meghan Markle’s one pot pasta recipe perfectly?
The secret to perfect Meghan Markle one pot pasta lies in building flavor from the start. Begin by sautéing garlic and cherry tomatoes in olive oil before adding pasta and broth. This helps create a rich base that the pasta can absorb as it cooks. Stir occasionally, add greens at the end to keep them vibrant, and finish with fresh basil and lemon juice for that signature fresh taste. Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning as you go for the best result.
What are the key ingredients in Meghan Markle’s one pot pasta?
The core ingredients of Meghan Markle one pot pasta include cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, spelt pasta, Swiss chard, kale, fresh basil, lemon zest, and red chili flakes. Some versions add chickpeas for extra protein and vegetable broth instead of water for more depth of flavor. These fresh, wholesome ingredients combine to create a dish that’s simple, healthy, and full of character.
Why is Meghan Markle’s one pot pasta so popular?
Meghan Markle one pot pasta became popular because it blends ease, nutrition, and versatility. Its viral status comes from the balance of simplicity and flavor—plus, the appeal of a one-pot meal that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough to share. Home cooks love that it’s easy to customize, whether adding extra greens, different proteins, or adjusting spices to taste.