One-Pot Lemon Dill Chicken and Pasta

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple weeknight dinner with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a bright lemon-dill sauce that comes together in one pot. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 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 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken thighs with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil to the pot, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz spaghetti, 1/2 tsp salt, and 4 cups water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Drain spaghetti, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water. Add lemon juice, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and reserved pasta water to the pot, then stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the pot, toss to coat, and cook for 2 more minutes until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened slightly.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Lemon Dill Chicken and Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 spaghetti 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 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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