Fun in a Bowl: One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This one-pan meal combines tender chicken, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs in a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to al dente pasta, making weeknight dinners feel special. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs Boneless skinless chicken thighs, Penne pasta, Chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb cubed chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 8 oz penne pasta and coat with oil.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, add 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and the cooked chicken back into the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta, about 2 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fun in a Bowl: One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Fun in a Bowl: One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and 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 penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fun in a Bowl: One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and 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 Fun in a Bowl: One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Fun in a Bowl: One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Pasta?

Mediterranean one pot 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes