One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Spinach Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A zesty, one-pan meal combining tender chicken, fresh spinach, and al dente pasta in a light lemon-herb sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 40 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breast, spaghetti, (washed and trimmed) fresh spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts, season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach, oregano, and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and darkens.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the skillet. Pour in lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine. Add cooked pasta, tossing to coat. Mix in Parmesan until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Divide between plates, top with additional Parmesan, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Spinach 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 One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Spinach 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 (6 oz each) chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Spinach 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 One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Spinach 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.

Is One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Spinach Pasta vegetarian-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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