Brussels Market Lemon-Herb Chicken & Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant dish featuring tender chicken and fresh pasta tossed in a bright lemon-herb sauce, inspired by Brussels' bustling markets and seasonal produce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs fresh pasta, olive oil, large lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.8 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then transfer to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz fresh pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  4. Step 4: Return skillet to medium heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 tbsp lemon juice (from 1 large lemon), 1/2 cup chicken stock, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tbsp thyme leaves, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Add drained pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to skillet. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats pasta evenly.
  7. Step 7: Stir in sliced chicken and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss for 1 minute until cheese melts and chicken is heated through.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Brussels Market Lemon-Herb Chicken & Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Brussels Market Lemon-Herb Chicken & Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brussels Market Lemon-Herb Chicken & Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Brussels Market Lemon-Herb Chicken & Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Brussels Market Lemon-Herb Chicken & Pasta?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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