One-Pot Chicken and Pea Pasta with Lemon Zest

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

A flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, sweet peas, and zesty lemon, simmered in a light herb sauce. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 37 minutes pairs chicken breast, peas, spaghetti for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 468 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 22 min Serves 4 American cuisine 468 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 lb chicken breast into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes until golden, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup peas to the skillet with 1/2 cup chicken broth. Simmer for 3 minutes until peas are bright green and tender.
  3. Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water (add 1 tbsp salt) to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and add directly to the skillet with the peas.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and the zest of 1/2 lemon. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce coats the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine. Serve immediately with extra lemon zest for garnish.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Chicken and Pea Pasta with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (15 min prep + 22 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-Pot Chicken and Pea Pasta with Lemon Zest?

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 chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Chicken and Pea Pasta with Lemon Zest?

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-Pot Chicken and Pea Pasta with Lemon Zest 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-Pot Chicken and Pea Pasta with Lemon Zest?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes