One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Pasta

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A 30-minute sheet-pan dinner with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant lemon-herb sauce in one pot. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, penne pasta, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 510 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 Mediterranean cuisine 510 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for 4 more minutes, then remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz penne pasta to the pot, then pour in 2 cups chicken broth. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook for 8 minutes until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Add chicken back to the pot, then stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp grated lemon zest, and 1/4 cup fresh parsley. Cook for 2 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & 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 Lemon Herb Chicken & 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

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

Mediterranean 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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