Meghan Markle Pasta Recipe

5 from 17 votes

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Let me introduce you to my version of the Meghan Markle Pasta Recipe. This is going to be controversial, but this one-pot pasta recipe is actually incredible. Inspired by the new Netflix series “With Love, Meghan,” I attempted to make my own pasta fit for a princess 😉. Let’s get two things straight: despite Italians disapproving of this unconventional way of cooking pasta, I can confirm that this method is easy and delicious 👌.

And yes, I know it’s “Meghan of Sussex,” not Markle 👑. Now that that business is out of the way, let’s dive in to what makes this dish so incredible. Cooking pasta in just enough water to cover it, with seasoning and sauce ingredients, forces all the pasta starch to remain in the pot and transform into a creamy, luxurious, flavorful sauce. Not to mention, you only have to clean one dish 🙌! Cherry tomatoes 🍅 bring tart, sweetness and Parmigiano cheese 🧀 lends nuttiness and umami. You do not want to sleep on this 1000/10 recipe!

A plate of spaghetti pasta topped with vibrant spinach leaves, diced tomatoes, and sprinkled Parmesan cheese. The dish is arranged on a white, speckled plate, set on a light wooden surface.

Why You’ll Love The Meghan Markle Pasta Recipe

What’s not to love about this one-pot wonder: comes together in under 20 minutes ⏲, no stirring or emulsifying, budget-friendly 💸, and incredibly customizable to whatever you have in the fridge and pantry. Let’s hear it for low-effort meals 📣! You can add pretty much any vegetables you have lying around—zucchini, bell peppers, cauliflower, you name it 🍅🌶🥦. Any pasta shape will do; you can even make this with mini pasta shapes, such as orzo or ditalini, and adjust the cook time according to the directions on the pasta packaging. Next time it’s you against the clock to get dinner on the table before you explode of hanger, whip up this show-stopping recipe.

How to Prepare

🥘 In a large pan with tall sides, add the garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, and two big pinches of salt.

💧Add the dry spaghetti on top and top with the water, which should be just enough to cover the ingredients.

🔥 Bring the contents to a boil, cover, and cook on medium-high heat until the pasta is al dente; about 8 to 12 minutes. You may need to uncover the pot every few minutes and give the pasta a stir, to prevent clumping.

🧀 Remove the pan from the heat, and add the spinach right away, so it cooks from the residual heat. Next, add the grated cheese and stir everything well. The stirring should produce a luscious, creamy sauce.

🍽 Finally, serve and enjoy!

Nonna’s Tip 🍝

You can make this recipe with any pasta shape you like—from orzo to rigatoni. Let the cook time on the pasta packaging be your guide ⏲.

A plate of spaghetti topped with tomato sauce, fresh basil leaves, and grated cheese. The noodles are neatly arranged, garnished with vibrant green herbs, and the dish is presented in a white speckled bowl on a light-colored surface. The Meghan Markle Pasta Recipe is a must try!

Variations and Substitutions for The Meghan Markle Pasta Recipe

  1. In place of or in addition to tomatoes, you can also use zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, or any quick-cooking vegetable you love 🥒🥦.
  2. You can make this recipe with any pasta shape you like—from orzo to rigatoni. Let the cook time on the pasta packaging be your guide ⏲.
  3. There are so many delicious ways to garnish this dish: fresh lemon zest 🍋, a handful of arugula, a sprinkling of red pepper flakes, or more grated cheese.
  4. Instead of spinach, you can also use other leafy greens: thinly sliced chard, kale, or any greens of your liking 🥬.

Similar Recipes

Best Served With

  • You’ll probably want some bread to mop up all the delicious pasta sauce. Try my viral No Knead Bread. So easy! 🥖
  • My family’s beloved Simple Green Salad is a crowd-pleasing side with any meal 🥗.
  • I know Meghan would approve of serving this alongside an elegant platter of branzino 🐟.
  • For a bit of added crunch, sprinkle some homemade Italian Breadcrumbs, lightly toasted in olive oil, on top of the finished dish.

Kid-Friendly Tips

This is such a great meal for serving diners of all ages. To make this super kid-friendly, consider using a fun shape, like orzo, farfalle, or fusilli. If your children are old enough, have them get involved in picking which vegetables to add to the dish, and letting them top the pasta with grated cheese. If your kids won’t eat greens, you can always serve up their dishes, and then add the greens to the remaining pasta in the warm pan.

Common Questions

Can i make this with other pasta besides spaghetti?

Certainly, you can make this with any shape. Just be sure to follow the cook time on the pasta packaging as guidance.

Can i make this gluten free?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and be sure to check for doneness well before the suggested cooking time on the packaging.

Can i add protein?

Absolutely! The finished pasta would be fantastic topped with some chicken or alongside some branzino.

Can i make this dairy-free?

Simply swap out the Parmigiano Reggiano for your favorite shredded dairy-free cheese or a few dollops of a creamy, spreadable dairy-free cheese.

What if i don’t have a high-sided large saucepan? Or a lid?

You can also make this in a large pot. Remember to only add enough water to just cover the ingredients. No lid? Use tin foil secured across the top of the pan or pot instead.

Under 500 Calorie Recipes

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A plate of spaghetti topped with tomato sauce, fresh basil leaves, and grated cheese. The noodles are neatly arranged, garnished with vibrant green herbs, and the dish is presented in a white speckled bowl on a light-colored surface.

Meghan Markle Pasta

This one-pot wonder is a 1000/10. Pasta cooks in the same pot as the sauce and toppings and all the starchy cooking water transforms into a luscious sauce, fit for a princess 👑😉
5 from 17 votes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Makes: 2 Portions
Author: The Modern Nonna
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 7 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 25 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt, to taste
  • ½ pound spaghetti
  • 3.5 cups boiling water
  • big handful baby spinach
  • cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated

Instructions 

  • In a large pan with tall sides, add the garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, and two big pinches of salt.
    A hand is sprinkling sliced garlic from a small glass dish into a bowl filled with halved cherry tomatoes. In the background, there are bowls and a cutting board on a light wood surface.
  • Add the dry spaghetti on top (break in half, if necessary, to fit in the pan—don't tell any Italians 🤫) and top with the water, which should be just enough to cover the ingredients.
    A bowl of uncooked spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, and garlic cloves is being filled with hot water from a kettle, set against a kitchen background.
  • Bring the contents to a boil, cover, and cook on medium-high heat until the pasta is al dente; about 8 to 12 minutes. Depending on the size of your pan and brand of pasta, you may need to uncover the pot every few minutes and give the pasta a stir, to prevent clumping.
  • Remove the pan from the heat, and add the spinach right away, so it cooks from the residual heat. Add the grated cheese and stir everything well. The stirring should produce a luscious, creamy sauce. Serve and enjoy!
    A hand adding fresh spinach to a pot of spaghetti with tomato sauce. The bright green spinach contrasts with the red sauce and yellow pasta, creating a vibrant and colorful dish.

Video

Notes

  • A Note on Water Level: You want the water to just cover the ingredients. They shouldn’t be swimming around. While checking on the dish as it cooks, if the water level seems too low, add about 1/4 cup water at at time. 
  • Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and be sure to check for doneness well before the suggested cooking time on the packaging.
  • Dairy-Free: Simply swap out the Parmigiano Reggiano for your favorite shredded dairy-free cheese or a few dollops of a creamy, spreadable dairy-free cheese.
  • Adding Protein: You can easily increase the protein on this recipe by mixing in a big spoonful of cottage cheese to the finished dish. Or garnish the finished dish with cooked, sliced chicken, shrimp, salmon, or scallops. 
  • Nutrition Note: This recipe makes 2 servings. One serving is 605 calories with 24 grams protein. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 605kcal, Carbohydrates: 98g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 11mg, Sodium: 311mg, Potassium: 857mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 2577IU, Vitamin C: 56mg, Calcium: 278mg, Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
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Hi! I'm Sneji. Nice to meet you!

I am more commonly known as “The Modern Nonna” on social media where I create easy home cooked meals with a modern twist. I was born and raised in Sofia, Bulgaria and learned how to cook at the best culinary school in the world – my grandma’s kitchen. I lived in Greece on the Island of Crete with my parents for a while and then moved to Toronto, Canada when I was in grade 5. I started to really cook and experiment with food 11 years ago when I was 21 years old. Everything I currently know is a reflection of some part of my life…

Keep up to date with me on social media! Follow @themodernnonna

5 from 17 votes

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36 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Just tried this one-pot pasta and wow—it seriously delivered! So simple to throw together, and the flavor is awesome! Creamy, cozy, and super satisfying without a ton of effort.