Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan is a delightful one-pan dish that combines tender chicken and vibrant spinach, tossed in perfectly cooked pasta. The zesty lemon and rich Parmesan cheese elevate the flavors, making it an ideal recipe for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Quick to prepare yet impressive enough for guests, this meal promises satisfaction in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Return to the skillet, add spinach, and stir until wilted (about 2 minutes).
- Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet with cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together and let simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve warm, drizzling with extra lemon juice or Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 375g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg