One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
A vibrant, restaurant-quality meal ready in 25 minutes using pantry staples and fresh herbs. The lemony sauce clings perfectly to tender pasta and juicy chicken. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs penne pasta, boneless chicken thighs, olive oil 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
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup, drained sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season chicken thighs evenly with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and oregano, then pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat, then pour in 1/2 cup pasta water. Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce coats the strands.
- Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet, add chopped parsley, and toss gently. Cook for 1 minute more until heated through and flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken & Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes 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 with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
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 Herb Chicken & Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
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 with Sun-Dried Tomatoes 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 with Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.