One-Pot Lemon Chicken and Pasta with Fresh Herbs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting weeknight meal where tender chicken and pasta simmer in a bright lemon-herb broth, finished with a generous sprinkle of fresh thyme and rosemary. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken breast, penne pasta, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Season 12 oz cubed chicken breast with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken to pot and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
  4. Step 4: Remove and set aside.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add 8 oz penne pasta and 2 cups chicken broth to the pot.
  7. Step 7: Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is almost tender.
  8. Step 8: Stir in 1/2 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary.
  9. Step 9: Return chicken to pot and stir to combine.
  10. Step 10: Continue simmering for 5 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened slightly.
  11. Step 11: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Lemon Chicken and Pasta with Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Lemon Chicken and Pasta with Fresh Herbs?

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 Lemon Chicken and Pasta with Fresh Herbs?

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 Lemon Chicken and Pasta with Fresh Herbs 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 Lemon Chicken and Pasta with Fresh Herbs?

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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