Meghan Markle Pasta

Short Description

This simple yet elegant pasta dish features garlicky cherry tomatoes cooked together with spaghetti to form a creamy sauce—fortified with baby spinach and topped with Parmesan for a light but flavorful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cooks all in one pan for easy cleanup
• Garlic-infused cherry tomatoes meld into a naturally creamy sauce
• Incorporates fresh spinach for color and nutrients
• Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal ingredients
• Sophisticated charm inspired by Meghan Markle’s refined but simple food aesthetic

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 7 garlic cloves, sliced
• 25 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• ½ pound (about 225 g) spaghetti
• 3½ cups boiling water
• A big handful baby spinach
• ⅓ cup Parmigiano‑Reggiano cheese, grated

Directions

1. In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, combine sliced garlic, halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and two generous pinches of salt.
2. Lay the dry spaghetti on top—break it in half if needed to fit, though purists may object!
3. Pour 3½ cups of boiling water over everything, just enough to cover the ingredients.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-high. Cover the pan and cook until the pasta is al dente—about 8 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally and remove lid briefly if ingredients begin to clump.
5. Once cooked, remove the pan from heat. Immediately add the spinach so it wilts in the residual heat.
6. Stir in the grated Parmigiano‑Reggiano cheese—this helps emulsify and create a creamy sauce as you combine everything.
7. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve warm and enjoy.

Servings And Timing

• Servings: Serves 3–4 as a main course
• Prep Time: ~5 minutes (halving tomatoes, prepping garlic and spinach)
• Cook Time: ~12 minutes
• Total Time: ~17 minutes

Variations

• With protein: Add cooked shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms.
• Cheesy upgrade: Use Pecorino Romano or a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella.
• Extra green: Stir in baby kale or arugula with the spinach for a peppery twist.
• Herbal notes: Finish with torn basil, parsley, or thyme.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or drizzle chili oil before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Best eaten fresh. If refrigerating, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days—spinach may wilt further and sauce may thicken.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to restore creaminess. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to maintain texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Yes—slice grape tomatoes or halved plum tomatoes work too, but may cook faster.

2. Is spaghetti broken in half essential?

Not essential—only break it if your pan isn’t large enough. It doesn’t affect flavor, just tradition.

3. Can I use dried basil or dried herbs instead of fresh greens?

Yes—stir dried or fresh herbs of your choice at the end for added aroma and flavor.

4. Can I make this vegan?

Use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan substitute, and omit cheese altogether or add a splash of olive oil for richness.

5. How do I prevent pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally during cooking and ensure enough water covers the noodles.

6. Can I use less water?

Using around 3 to 4 cups is ideal to ensure pasta cooks evenly and sauce naturally forms.

7. What if the sauce is too watery?

Let it cook a bit longer uncovered so some liquid evaporates. Stirring and cheese will help thicken.

8. Can I substitute spinach with another green?

Yes—arugula, baby kale, or Swiss chard are good alternatives.

9. Could I add cream or butter for a richer sauce?

Yes—a splash of cream or a teaspoon of butter adds richness, though the original aims to keep it light.

10. Is this inspired by an actual Meghan Markle recipe?

It reflects the style of simple, elegant food she’s been known to enjoy—but adaptations may vary across sources.

Conclusion

Meghan Markle Pasta delivers fresh, garlicky tomato flavor with creamy texture and a light touch—achieved in one pan with minimal fuss. It’s a beautiful weeknight recipe that feels elegant and approachable, perfect when you want polished simplicity on the plate.

Print