As a busy parent, I understand how challenging it can be to prepare a healthy meal quickly. But this chicken spinach skillet pasta with lemon parmesan sauce is a game-changer. It’s ready in just 25 minutes. This one-pot dish is full of flavor and nutrients, perfect for your family.
Key Takeaways
- This recipe is ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for hectic weeknights.
- It’s a one-pot meal that combines gluten-free or whole-wheat penne pasta with chicken, spinach, and a lemon parmesan sauce.
- The dish is brimming with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals to support your family’s health.
- The zesty lemon and savory parmesan flavors create a delicious and satisfying pasta dish.
- This recipe is easily customizable to suit your family’s preferences and dietary needs.
Why This One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe Will Become Your Weeknight Favorite
Are you looking for a quick weeknight meal that’s easy to clean up? This one-pot chicken pasta recipe is perfect. It’s both healthy and quick, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s ideal for those busy weeknights.
This recipe uses simple ingredients like chicken breasts, penne pasta, and a tasty lemon-Parmesan sauce. You only need one skillet and a few pantry items. This means you can make a wholesome dinner quickly.
This healthy pasta recipe is also very flexible. You can add different veggies like broccoli, spinach, or asparagus. Or, try different pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle. It’s great for meal prep too, making a satisfying lunch for the week.
If you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal that’s both healthy and tasty, try this one-pot chicken pasta recipe. It’s a great choice for busy nights. It offers unbeatable convenience and flavor, making it a healthy pasta dish ready in no time.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Lemon Parmesan Pasta
To make a tasty lemon parmesan sauce for your chicken spinach pasta skillet, you need the right ingredients. We’ll explore the key components that make your dish stand out.
Fresh Produce Components
- Spinach: Provides a healthy base for your pasta
- Lemon: Adds a tangy flavor that balances the parmesan
- Garlic: Brings a strong, tasty aroma to the sauce
- Leeks: Adds a sweet touch and depth to the dish
Protein and Dairy Elements
The recipe centers around chicken breasts or thighs for protein. For the creamy sauce, you’ll need Parmesan cheese grated fresh.
Pantry Staples Needed
- Gluten-free or whole-wheat penne pasta as the dish’s base
- Heat extra-virgin olive oil to cook the chicken and veggies
- Salt and pepper to season the dish right
- A bit of dry white wine or chicken stock to enrich the sauce
These ingredients blend to make a balanced, delicious lemon parmesan pasta. It’s sure to be a hit on weeknights.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 breasts |
| Parmesan cheese, freshly grated | 2/3 cup |
| Penne pasta, gluten-free or whole-wheat | 1/2 lb |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 3 tbsp |
| Lemon zest | 1 lemon |
| Garlic, minced | 6 cloves |
| Leeks, thinly sliced | 1 cup |
| Baby spinach | 4 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Dry white wine | 3/4 cup |
| Chicken stock | 3/4 cup |
Kitchen Equipment and Tools Required
To make this tasty skillet chicken spinach pasta dish, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. First, grab a large, high-sided skillet or pot. It should hold all the ingredients. You’ll also need a sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife for chopping the fresh produce.
A zester is handy for adding lemon zest to the creamy Parmesan sauce. You’ll also need a big pot for cooking pasta and a colander to drain it. Measuring cups and spoons help you get the right amounts of each ingredient.
For the chicken, a meat mallet helps pound it evenly. This ensures it cooks well. An instant-read thermometer is great for checking the chicken’s internal temperature. It should be 165°F.
With these essential skillet chicken spinach pasta tools, you’re ready to make a delicious one-pot meal.
“The right tools can make all the difference in the kitchen.”
Chicken Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon Parmesan: Step-by-Step Instructions
Get ready to make a tasty one-pot meal with the lemon garlic chicken pasta recipe. This easy, 25-minute guide will have you enjoying a healthy dinner in no time. Let’s start with the steps.
Preparing the Chicken
First, pound the chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness. This makes them cook fast and evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and spices you like. Cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side. It should reach 165°F inside.
Creating the Lemon Parmesan Sauce
While the chicken cooks, make the lemon Parmesan sauce. In the same skillet, cook minced garlic and sliced leeks until they smell good, about 2-3 minutes. Add a bit of white wine or chicken broth to the pan. Next, add fresh lemon juice and zest, then simmer for a minute or two to combine the flavors.
Combining All Components
Now, mix everything together. Add the cooked pasta, spinach, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss it all until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes. You’ll get a creamy, lemony one-pot meal that’s delicious.
This simple method will have you enjoying a tasty lemon garlic chicken pasta dish in just 25 minutes. The mix of tender chicken, pasta, and cheesy sauce is a hit with everyone.
Time-Saving Tips and Cooking Techniques
Efficiency is crucial when making a quick weeknight meal. Luckily, this Chicken Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon Parmesan recipe has several tips to save time. It makes cooking an easy task for any weeknight.
Using pre-cooked chicken is a big time-saver. It lets you add the protein to the dish quickly, saving prep time. Also, prep ingredients while the pasta cooks to work smarter in the kitchen.
Reserving pasta cooking water is another smart move. This starchy liquid makes the sauce creamy when mixed with Parmesan and lemon. Just toss the pasta with the sauce and a bit of reserved water for the right texture.
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker, more uniform cooking.
- Thoroughly wash the spinach to avoid any gritty texture in the final dish.
- Use a microplane to easily zest the lemon, adding a burst of fresh flavor.
These simple techniques make cooking this Chicken Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon Parmesan a breeze. With a few tricks, you can have a tasty, homemade dinner ready in no time.
Nutritional Benefits and Health Value
This healthy pasta recipe is not just tasty. It also gives your body the nutrients it needs. It’s a balanced meal that can be a regular part of your weeknights.
Protein and Fiber Content
This chicken spinach skillet pasta dish is packed with protein. It has 29 grams of protein from the chicken breast. It also has 2 grams of fiber from the pasta and spinach. This helps with digestion and keeps you full longer.
Vitamin and Mineral Profile
This nutritious pasta dish is full of vitamins and minerals. A serving gives you 142% of the daily value for vitamin A and 34% for vitamin C. It also has folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. This makes it a healthy and nourishing meal.
“This chicken spinach skillet pasta is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients to keep you feeling your best.”
This healthy pasta dish, made with whole-wheat pasta and fresh produce, offers a nutritious option that’s perfect for busy nights or casual dinners.
Storage Instructions and Meal Prep Options
This easy weeknight dinner is not only tasty but also super convenient. You can store and prep the Chicken Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon Parmesan for later. Just keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit of water when reheating.
This recipe is great for meal prep because it gets even better after a day in the fridge. You can divide it into individual containers for easy lunches. This way, you can enjoy the easy weeknight dinner whenever you want, without cooking from scratch.
“A quick and easy pasta dish that’s perfect for busy nights. The fact that I can make it ahead and enjoy it all week long is just an added bonus!” – Sarah, Recipe Tester
Looking to make your weeknights easier or just want to enjoy this quick weeknight meal longer? The storage and meal prep options make this Chicken Spinach Skillet Pasta a must-have in your kitchen.
Recipe Variations and Customization Ideas
The chicken spinach skillet pasta with lemon parmesan is very versatile. You can change it to fit your taste or dietary needs. Let’s look at some fun ways to make this healthy pasta recipe your own.
Vegetable Additions
Adding different vegetables can make your chicken spinach skillet pasta even better. Try adding bell peppers, broccolini, or mushrooms. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic, then follow the recipe.
Make sure the veggies are cooked right. This might take a little longer.
Pasta Alternatives
You can use different pasta shapes to change the dish. Try shells, bow ties, or fusilli for a new look and feel. For a lighter, low-carb alternative, swap in zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Remember, cooking times will vary. Choose the right one for your pasta or veggie choice.
Customizing the chicken spinach skillet pasta with lemon parmesan lets you make it your own. It’s a great way to enjoy a delicious meal any night.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Your lemon parmesan sauce and chicken spinach pasta skillet dish is ready for a great side. Here are some perfect pairings and serving ideas to make it even better.
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the lemon parmesan sauce. The wine’s acidity balances the dish’s richness, creating a perfect flavor mix.
For a full meal, add a side salad. Use fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette. The salad’s crunch and freshness contrast nicely with the creamy pasta.
To make your dish look and taste better, try garnishing it. Use fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes, or more Parmesan cheese. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving also brightens the flavors.
With these suggestions, your lemon parmesan sauce and chicken spinach pasta skillet will impress everyone. This is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser with your loved ones.
| Pairing | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio |
| Side Dish | Fresh Salad |
| Garnishes | Basil Leaves, Red Pepper Flakes, Parmesan Cheese, Lemon Juice |
Conclusion
The quick chicken spinach skillet pasta with lemon parmesan is great for busy weeknights. It combines fresh ingredients, a zesty lemon parmesan sauce, and tender chicken. This makes it a balanced and tasty meal for the whole family.
This dish is perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. It has protein-rich chicken, nutrient-dense spinach, and a creamy sauce. It’s both satisfying and nourishing.Give it a try today for a quick and tasty meal.
This chicken spinach skillet pasta is a family favorite. It’s easy to make and can be customized. It’s perfect for any busy weeknight and can be enjoyed all year.