One-Pan Lemon Herb Pasta Chicken (Printable)

Tender chicken and pasta simmered with bright lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs in one pan for a quick Mediterranean meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (14 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta

02 - 10 oz penne or fusilli pasta, uncooked

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 1 lemon, zest and juice
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 2 cups baby spinach

→ Herbs

09 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme

→ Liquids

13 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Dairy

14 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

→ Seasoning

15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# How-To:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
02 - Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
03 - In the same pan, add onion and garlic; sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
04 - Add pasta, chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, and thyme. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Return chicken to the pan, add cherry tomatoes, and cook uncovered for 7-8 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
07 - Stir in spinach, parsley, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Cook 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything happens in one pan, from searing chicken to cooking pasta, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
  • The bright lemon and fresh herbs transform simple ingredients into something that tastes like it came from a favorite restaurant
02 -
  • The pasta continues absorbing liquid even after you remove it from heat, so leave a little extra broth in the pan if you want it saucier
  • Lemon intensity varies wildly between fruits, always add the juice gradually and taste as you go
03 -
  • Use a pan large enough to hold everything comfortably, or the pasta will not cook evenly and will stick together
  • Grate your Parmesan fresh from a block rather than using pre-grated cheese for better melting and flavor
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