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One-Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650
A flavorful and easy one-pot dish combining tender chicken, pasta, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Marinade

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 zest lemon (zest of 1 lemon)

For the Pasta and Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (32 oz or 950 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (8 oz or 240 ml)
  • 1 lb dried pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine, about 450g)
  • 0.25 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
  • 5 oz fresh baby spinach
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

For garnish

  • to taste fresh parsley (chopped)
  • optional red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)

Instructions 

  • Combine chicken, 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Marinate for 15 minutes.
  • Sear the chicken in a large pot until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  • Sauté onion and garlic in butter until translucent. Deglaze with a splash of broth, then add remaining broth and cream. Simmer.
  • Add pasta, cook until al dente, then turn off heat. Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan, and spinach until wilted.
  • Reintroduce chicken, stir to combine, and serve garnished with parsley, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to taste.
Calories: 650kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken, Lemon, Pasta