Prep: 10 mins Cook: 25 mins Total: 35 mins
This chicken pasta is a celebration of bold, fresh flavors. Juicy, golden-seared chicken breast pairs perfectly with tender, sautéed spinach in a bright, garlicky lemon sauce that’s as comforting as it is irresistible. Topped with a bit of Parmesan, this dish is a weeknight game-changer that’s so good that your family will be lining up for seconds. Simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor—what’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Light: You get all the creamy goodness of pasta with none of the heaviness. The dish is lightened up with spinach and a light lemon sauce, so you can enjoy a comforting meal without feeling weighed down. Plus, the Parmesan adds just the right amount of indulgence without being over-the-top.
- One-Skillet Wonder: Who doesn’t love fewer dishes? This recipe is all made in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze. Plus, the sauce is absorbed by the pasta, so every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
- Flavor-Packed: Combining garlicky, lemony sauce, tender seared chicken, and vibrant sautéed spinach creates a harmonious burst of fresh, bold flavors. The zesty lemon balances out the richness of Parmesan, giving every bite the perfect amount of brightness and depth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz of whole-wheat penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 2 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 cup of dry white wine
- 10 cups of chopped fresh spinach
- 3/4 tsp of salt
- 1/4 tsp ground pepper
- 2 tsp of zested lemon
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1/3 cup of cubed unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp of grated parmesan
Directions
Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
- Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 7 minutes).
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the wine and bring it to a simmer for 3-5 minutes, reducing it slightly.
Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
- In the same skillet, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter.
- Add the pasta and chicken back into the skillet.
- Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to help create a smooth sauce.
Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted (about 5 mins).
- Finish by stirring in Parmesan cheese and seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately, topped with more Parmesan if desired.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 493
- Fat: 28g
- Sat Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 648mg
- Carbohydrate: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 107mg
- Potassium: 710mg
SOURCE: Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan