One-Pot Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken and Pasta

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxuriously creamy lemon-herb sauce that comes together in one pot. This italian-american-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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: 25 min Serves 4 Italian-American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering; add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in 1/2 cup vegetable broth and 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pot bottom.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz spaghetti to the pot, nestling it into the liquid, and bring to a simmer; cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, then simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the pot with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using), stirring to combine; cook for 1 minute to heat through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken and 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-Pot Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken and 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken and 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-Pot Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken and 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-Pot Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken and Pasta?

Italian-American 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.

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