Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Chicken and spinach skillet pasta with lemon and Parmesan is a delightful and satisfying dish that brings together the flavors of tender chicken, vibrant spinach, zesty lemon, and rich Parmesan cheese. This one-pan recipe is a perfect choice for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. The combination of ingredients creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will surely tantalize your taste buds.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this chicken and spinach skillet pasta is bound to impress.

Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan

Quick Summary

Equipment Needed

To prepare this delicious chicken and spinach skillet pasta, you will need the following equipment:

Large skillet or frying pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
Citrus juicer or fork (for extracting lemon juice)
Tongs (for handling the chicken)

Ingredients

For the chicken and spinach skillet pasta with lemon and Parmesan, you will need the following ingredients:

8 ounces (225g) pasta (such as or fusilli)
bite-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Now follow package instructions to cook pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove and set aside chicken from the skillet.
Sauté the garlic and spinach: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the spinach leaves and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally.
Combine the ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the spinach. Add and toss the cooked pasta, lemon juice, and lemon zest until everything is well combined and heated through.
Add Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently toss until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Transfer the chicken and spinach skillet pasta to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional lemon zest, if desired.

How to Make This Recipe Perfect

To save time, you can cook the pasta while you prepare the other ingredients. Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the other ingredients in the skillet.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. Cook it in batches if needed, ensuring that each piece has enough space to brown evenly.
Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can add more zest or juice.
Feel free to customize the dish by adding other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions for This Recipe

Serve the pasta with a side salad of mixed greens dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Accompany the dish with some crusty garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the flavorful sauce.
For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley on top of the pasta before serving.

Conclusion

Chicken and spinach skillet pasta with lemon and Parmesan is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings together the freshness of spinach, the tanginess of lemon, and the savory notes of Parmesan cheese. This one-pan recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or when you want to whip up a quick and satisfying meal.

Enjoy preparing and savoring this delectable chicken and spinach skillet pasta with lemon and Parmesan, and let its delightful flavors elevate your dining experience!

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served immediately after cooking to enjoy the flavors and textures at their best. However, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and cook them just before serving to save time.

How do I store leftovers?

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta may absorb some of the liquid over time, so you can add a little broth or olive oil when reheating to bring back the moisture.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if you have pre-cooked chicken, you can use it in this recipe. Simply skip the step of cooking the chicken in the skillet and add the pre-cooked chicken when combining the ingredients.

Print Recipe