Lemon-Dill Chicken & Pasta Primavera

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breast slices simmered in a bright lemon-dill cream sauce over al dente pasta, finished with fresh seasonal vegetables for a vibrant weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs boneless chicken breasts, spaghetti, fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 580 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 12 oz chicken breasts into 1/2-inch thick slices and season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, spiralize 2 medium zucchinis into noodles and cut 8 oz asparagus into 1-inch pieces. Sauté zucchini and asparagus in the same skillet with 1 minced garlic clove for 4 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup heavy cream and 3 tbsp fresh dill to the skillet; simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Stir in lemon zest from 1 lemon and cooked chicken, then add 8 oz cooked spaghetti. Toss gently for 1 minute to combine and heat through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Chicken & Pasta Primavera take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken & Pasta Primavera?

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 boneless chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Chicken & Pasta Primavera?

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 Lemon-Dill Chicken & Pasta Primavera 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken & Pasta Primavera?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes