Lemon-Herb Chicken and Pasta in 30 Minutes
Bright, zesty pasta with pan-seared chicken and fresh herbs in a lemony sauce—ready in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs ounces Penne pasta, halved Cherry tomatoes, minced Garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces, sliced into 1/2-inch strips Chicken breasts
- 8 ounces Penne pasta
- 1 cup, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic cloves
- 1, zested and juiced Lemon
- 1 tablespoon, chopped Fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon, chopped Fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; season 12 ounces sliced chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then cook for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 2 minced garlic cloves to skillet; sauté for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 3: Stir in 8 ounces penne pasta, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, 1 teaspoon chopped thyme, zest and juice of 1 lemon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Return chicken to skillet, add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and cook for 1 minute until cheese melts and sauce coats pasta.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper; serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Chicken and Pasta in 30 Minutes take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Lemon-Herb Chicken and Pasta in 30 Minutes?
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 ounces penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Chicken and Pasta in 30 Minutes?
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-Herb Chicken and Pasta in 30 Minutes 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-Herb Chicken and Pasta in 30 Minutes?
Italian 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
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
