7 Zesty Reasons You’ll Love This Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta

Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan

📖 Introduction: One-Pan Comfort with a Zesty Twist 🍋🍗🍝

🍝 A Mediterranean-Inspired Weeknight Winner

Looking for a wholesome, flavor-packed dinner that doesn’t involve a pile of dishes? This chicken & spinach skillet pasta with lemon and Parmesan hits all the right notes—tangy, savory, cheesy, and light—all made in just one pan.

Rooted in the principles of Mediterranean cuisine, this recipe brings together lean chicken breast, fresh baby spinach, zesty lemon juice, and a generous dusting of grated Parmesan. The lemon not only brightens the sauce, but also balances the richness of the chicken and cheese, while fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a gentle earthiness.

The chicken & spinach skillet pasta approach saves time without sacrificing flavor. It’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights when the goal is comfort food with fewer dishes. Thanks to its one-skillet convenience and high-protein balance, it’s become a favorite for anyone seeking a lighter twist on creamy pasta dishes.

🥢 Craving more one-pan inspiration? Try this flavorful One-Pan Miso Salmon and Bok Choy for another satisfying, easy meal.

🌎 A Global Favorite for Busy Home Cooks

This lemony chicken & spinach skillet pasta has soared in popularity not just in the U.S., but globally among home cooks who crave simplicity and vibrant flavors. It’s a dish that checks every box—nutritious, fast, and undeniably delicious.

Here are the top countries that adore this pasta recipe:

• 🇺🇸 United States
• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
• 🇨🇦 Canada
• 🇦🇺 Australia
• 🇳🇿 New Zealand

Why do so many households love this dish? Because it offers everything you want in a dinner: quick preparation, one-skillet cleanup, and bold, citrusy flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, meal-prepping lunches, or just want something fast and fresh, this chicken & spinach skillet pasta delivers every time.

7 Zesty Reasons You’ll Love This Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta

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• Author: Donald Anderson
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This chicken & spinach skillet pasta with lemon & Parmesan is a quick, one-pan dinner bursting with fresh flavor—perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
• 8 oz uncooked whole wheat penne pasta
• 6 oz fresh baby spinach
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for a kick

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Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper.
4. Cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes), flipping halfway.
5. Remove and set aside.
6. Build the Flavor Base
7. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).
8. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
9. Cook the Pasta
10. Stir in the uncooked pasta.
11. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12. Add Spinach & Chicken
13. Once pasta is tender, fold in fresh spinach until wilted.
14. Return cooked chicken to the skillet.
15. Brighten & Finish
16. Add lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan.
17. Toss everything together until creamy and well combined.
18. Taste and adjust seasoning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American-Mediterranean fusion

🧂 What You’ll Need to Make This Skillet Pasta 🍽️🧄🧂

🔧 Essential Kitchen Tools

You won’t need much to pull off this chicken & spinach skillet pasta—just a few essential kitchen tools and you’re good to go:

• Large skillet or sauté pan – A 12-inch nonstick or stainless steel skillet is ideal
• Mixing bowls – For organizing prepped ingredients efficiently
• Measuring cups and spoons – To keep flavors well-balanced
• Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula – Stir and scrape without damaging your cookware
• Knife and cutting board – For slicing chicken, garlic, spinach, and lemon

🧼 Cleanup Tip: The best part? Minimal mess. You’ll only need your skillet and a pot if you decide to pre-boil your pasta, but this dish is designed to be made in a single pan.

🧄 Pantry & Fridge Staples

This chicken & spinach skillet pasta keeps things practical. Most ingredients are fridge or pantry staples you probably already have on hand:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Quick-cooking and lean
• 8 oz penne pasta – The shape holds sauce and spinach beautifully
• 6 oz fresh spinach – Nutrient-packed and adds vibrant green color
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – For that irresistible savory base
• 1 lemon, juice and zest – The star of the show with citrusy freshness
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the pasta for creamy umami
• 2 tsp olive oil – To sauté without overpowering the lemon
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth or dry white wine – Adds moisture and complexity

💡 Ingredient Swap: Want to change things up? Try baby kale, arugula, or Swiss chard instead of spinach. Each one brings a slightly different texture and flavor to your pasta dish.

🥗 Looking for a side with a flavor punch? This Chorizo-Spiced Chopped Salad complements the pasta perfectly with bold spices and crunchy freshness.

🧾 Ingredients List for Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta 🧾🍗🍋

🥘 Main Ingredients

This chicken & spinach skillet pasta recipe delivers everything in balance—lean protein, leafy greens, satisfying carbs, and a citrusy finish—all in one pan.

Here’s what you’ll need to create a skillet full of zesty, cheesy comfort:

• 8 oz penne pasta – Cooked until al dente; its ridges hold the lemon-Parmesan sauce beautifully
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used in stages for sautéing chicken and garlic
• 4 garlic cloves, minced – Builds a bold, aromatic foundation
• ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth – Adds complexity and moisture to form a silky sauce
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon – Brings brightness and balances the richness
• 10 cups fresh spinach, chopped – Don’t worry—it wilts down significantly as it cooks
• ½ teaspoon salt – Start here, and adjust based on your broth and Parmesan
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Enhances flavor without overpowering
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Melts in at the end for a creamy, umami-rich finish

🧄 Ingredient Tip: Short on time? Pre-minced garlic can work—but freshly chopped cloves deliver the most robust flavor.

✨ Optional Enhancements

Want to give your chicken & spinach skillet pasta a little personal flair? These optional additions can elevate the dish in no time:

• Red pepper flakes – Add a subtle heat that cuts through the lemon
• Fresh parsley or basil – Brightens the whole skillet with color and freshness
• Extra lemon zest or lemon olive oil – Intensifies the citrus notes and enhances aroma

🍲 In the mood for another cozy chicken dish? You’ll love this fragrant Gingery Chicken Noodle Soup—perfect for busy nights or cold-weather comfort.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan 🍋🍗🍝

Making this bright and comforting chicken & spinach skillet pasta is easier than you think. The key is building flavor at every stage—from the pasta water to the final sprinkle of Parmesan. Follow these steps to get a zesty, creamy, and satisfying result, all in under 30 minutes.

🍝 Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Salting your pasta water is essential for flavor—it’s your first opportunity to season the dish.

• Add 8 oz of penne pasta, stirring occasionally.
• Boil according to package instructions until al dente—usually around 9–11 minutes.
• Before draining, scoop out ½ cup of pasta water and set it aside.
• Drain the pasta and keep it warm.

💡 Pasta Tip: Stir during the first few minutes of boiling to prevent sticking. Penne tends to clump if left untouched early on.

🔥 Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, start on the star protein. Grab a large skillet—nonstick or stainless both work well—and get it nice and hot.

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add your bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and let them sear.
• Cook for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and fully cooked.
• Transfer the chicken to a bowl and cover to keep warm.

🍗 Searing Tip: Resist the urge to stir constantly—letting the chicken sit undisturbed helps develop a flavorful, golden crust.

🍋🧄 Step 3: Build the Lemon-Garlic Sauce

Now comes the real flavor bomb. Use the same skillet, keeping all those golden brown bits (fond) intact—this is where the magic happens.

• Lower the heat to medium.
• Add 4 cloves of minced garlic, and sauté just until fragrant—about 1 minute.
• Pour in ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth, followed by the juice and zest of one lemon.
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to deglaze.

🧄 Sauce Tip: If you want a deeper flavor, go with wine. For a kid-friendly or alcohol-free version, chicken broth works just as well.

🥬🧀 Step 4: Combine It All

Now it’s time to bring it all together and finish your skillet pasta strong.

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
• Add 10 cups of fresh spinach (don’t worry—it will cook down fast).
• Stir in the drained penne pasta, and toss everything to coat in the sauce.
• Sprinkle in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and gently fold to melt it into the sauce.

Continue stirring for another 2–3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly. If the pasta seems dry, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen things up.

🌿 Finish Strong: Taste and adjust your seasoning. Garnish with more Parmesan, fresh parsley, or a final zest of lemon for a bright finish.

🍰 Want a light and fruity dessert after your skillet pasta? Try this gorgeous Blueberry Almond Clafoutis for a sweet ending that won’t weigh you down.

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) 📊🍽️💪

🍋 Light, Satisfying, and Full of Flavor

This chicken & spinach skillet pasta hits that perfect middle ground—comfort food that doesn’t derail your nutrition goals. Made with simple, whole ingredients and no heavy cream, it offers a balanced blend of protein, healthy fats, and energizing carbs.

Here’s the approximate nutrition breakdown per serving, based on a recipe yield of four:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35 oz
• Carbohydrates: 40 oz
• Fat: 15 oz
• Saturated Fat: 4 oz
• Cholesterol: 85 mg
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fiber: 4 oz
• Sugar: 2 oz

🍋 Why It Works: The lemon juice in this chicken & spinach skillet pasta helps balance the savory depth of Parmesan and the richness of sautéed chicken. The result is a creamy, satisfying dish that still feels light on the palate.

⚖️ How to Adjust for Your Diet

This recipe is flexible enough to meet a range of dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture. Here are some easy swaps:

• Lower-carb option: Use chickpea pasta or zucchini noodles in place of penne
• Extra protein boost: Add another chicken breast or top your bowl with hemp seeds
• Dairy-free version: Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese
• Lower sodium: Choose reduced-sodium broth and reduce added salt

🥗 Meal Prep Tip: For a more filling, fiber-rich plate, pair this dish with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. You could also serve it alongside these crispy Sweet Potato Hash Browns for a savory, nutrient-dense twist.

🍽️ Serving & Storage Tips 🍽️🥡

Once your chicken & spinach skillet pasta is ready, the only question left is how to enjoy it—and how to store leftovers without sacrificing flavor.

🍋🧀 How to Serve It

While this chicken & spinach skillet pasta is satisfying all on its own, a few thoughtful finishing touches can take it to the next level. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, these suggestions help round out the meal:

• Top with extra Parmesan cheese and a generous sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for a bright, zesty finish
• Add a handful of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil to enhance the aroma and add color
• Serve with garlic bread or a light, crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette
• Drizzle with lemon-infused olive oil and crack some black pepper right before serving

🥖 Entertaining Tip: For a charming presentation, serve this chicken & spinach skillet pasta straight from the pan. Place it in the middle of the table and let everyone dig in family-style—it creates a warm, rustic vibe that’s perfect for casual dinner parties.

🧈 Need a soft, flaky side to soak up the lemony sauce? These Butter Swim Biscuits are ideal—crispy on the outside and buttery inside.

🔁🧊 Storage & Reheating Instructions

The beauty of this one-pan pasta dish extends beyond dinner time. Chicken & spinach skillet pasta keeps well in the fridge and makes a great next-day lunch or meal prep solution.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• When reheating, use a nonstick skillet over medium heat
• Add a splash of chicken broth or water to rehydrate the sauce as it warms
• Alternatively, microwave in 45-second bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating

Freezing Tips
While you can freeze this dish, spinach tends to become watery after thawing. For better results:

• Freeze the pasta and chicken without the spinach
• When ready to serve, reheat and add fresh spinach during the final toss

🍱 Meal Prep Tip: Divide into individual containers and tuck in a wedge of lemon with each portion. When you reheat, a quick squeeze will revive the bright flavors in your chicken & spinach skillet pasta instantly.

🔄 Recipe Variations to Try 🔄🍽️🌱

One of the best things about chicken & spinach skillet pasta is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, sticking to a special diet, or just craving something a little different, you can tweak this recipe without compromising flavor. Here are three delicious ways to make it your own.

🧄🥛 Creamy Version

Craving something extra indulgent? A creamy version of this chicken & spinach skillet pasta adds richness while still keeping things bright and balanced.

• After adding your broth or wine to the skillet, stir in ½ cup heavy cream or 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon
• Return the chicken and pasta, then fold in spinach and finish with extra Parmesan

🥄 Flavor Pairing: For added depth, top your creamy chicken & spinach skillet pasta with cracked black pepper and a tiny pinch of nutmeg—a secret chef’s touch that adds warmth.

🥦🍄 Vegetarian Option

No chicken? No problem. This chicken & spinach skillet pasta can easily go meat-free while staying full of texture and taste.

• Swap out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, tofu cubes, or canned chickpeas
• Keep the garlic, lemon, and Parmesan base to retain that zesty-smooth flavor profile
• Optional: toss in sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or even capers for a briny punch

🌿 Protein Boost: Chickpeas and white beans are both excellent sources of plant-based protein and blend perfectly with spinach and pasta.

🌾🚫 Gluten-Free Adaptation

Going gluten-free? No need to skip your favorite skillet meal. This chicken & spinach skillet pasta transforms effortlessly into a gluten-free dinner with just a few easy swaps.

• Use gluten-free penne, brown rice pasta, or lentil-based noodles
• Confirm your chicken broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free
• Add an extra drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving to enhance the flavor and keep the pasta moist

✨ Pro Tip: Gluten-free pasta absorbs sauce faster. Be sure to reserve some extra broth to stir in just before serving if it starts to dry out.

🍋 Finish your zesty dinner on a sweet note with a citrusy Lemon Dump Cake—an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that pairs perfectly with your pasta night.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta

✅ Conclusion: One Pan, Endless Possibilities 🏁🍽️✨

If your weeknights are packed but your palate craves something fresh and satisfying, this chicken & spinach skillet pasta with lemon and Parmesan is your new go-to. It’s hearty without being heavy, vibrant without being fussy, and packed with zesty flavor—without leaving you with a mountain of dishes.

The real magic of this chicken & spinach skillet pasta lies in its balance:

• Tender, juicy chicken
• Wilted spinach for a nutrient boost
• Zesty lemon to brighten each bite
• Creamy, melty Parmesan to bring it all together

And let’s not forget—the whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes, using just one skillet. That makes chicken & spinach skillet pasta the ultimate win for weeknight dinners, meal prep Sundays, or even an easy dish for entertaining friends.

What makes this chicken & spinach skillet pasta even more appealing is its versatility. Whether you’re switching up the greens, making it creamy, or going gluten-free, this dish welcomes personal touches while maintaining its fresh, citrusy core.

🍱 Want more skillet meals that taste like takeout but cook like a breeze? Don’t miss this One-Pan Miso Salmon and Bok Choy—another one-pan wonder packed with nutrition and flavor.

💬 Tried it your way? Drop a comment below to share your favorite variation! Whether you added mushrooms, tossed in sun-dried tomatoes, or made it dairy-free, I’d love to hear how you made this chicken & spinach skillet pasta your own.

Thanks for stopping by—and happy skillet-ing! 🍋🧑‍🍳