One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggie Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick, healthy dish combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant vegetables in a zesty lemon herb sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breast, spaghetti, medium, diced zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Stir in lemon juice, oregano, and salt. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine, using reserved pasta water as needed to create a loose sauce.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet, nestle into the pasta, and bake for 10-12 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and golden on top. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggie Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Veggie 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 Veggie 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 Veggie 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 One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggie Pasta?

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.

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