Lemon-Herb Chicken & Pasta Primavera

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a vibrant lemon-herb sauce over al dente pasta, ready in 25 minutes for a light yet satisfying weeknight meal. This italian-american-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, boneless chicken breasts, olive oil 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.

★ 3.9 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian-American cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb cubed boneless chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes until golden and cooked through; transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 10 oz trimmed asparagus and 1 medium sliced zucchini, stirring for 4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to skillet and toss with 12 oz cooked spaghetti. Stir in 3 tbsp chopped parsley and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, adding more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Chicken & Pasta Primavera 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 Lemon-Herb 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 spaghetti from drying out.

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

Italian-American 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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