One-Pot Lemon-Dill Chicken and Pasta
Tender chicken thighs simmered in a bright lemon-dill sauce with pasta, finished with fresh herbs for a weeknight favorite. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 26 minutes pairs boneless and skinless chicken thighs, penne pasta, vegetable broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2, zested and juiced lemon
- 3 tbsp fresh, chopped dill
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper, then cook until golden brown, 4-5 minutes per side; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 cups vegetable broth, 8 oz penne pasta, 2 tbsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp lemon juice.
- Step 3: Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-14 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring once. Add 1 lb cooked chicken and 3 tbsp chopped dill, then simmer uncovered for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lemon-Dill Chicken and Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 26 minutes (10 min prep + 16 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-Dill 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Lemon-Dill 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 Lemon-Dill 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 Lemon-Dill Chicken and 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
