If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and healthy dinner that the whole family will enjoy, then Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan is the perfect choice. This dish combines the best of both worlds: the lean protein of chicken, the fresh greens of spinach, and the comforting carb boost of pasta. The rich flavor of Parmesan cheese and the zesty brightness of lemon make it a well-rounded and flavorful meal.
One of the greatest appeals of this recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight meal for those busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
In this article, we’ll explore the recipe, some variations, tips for perfecting the dish, and why it’s a must-try for busy families.
Why You Should Make Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
1. It’s Simple and Quick
This dish is a one-pan wonder, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights. With only a few basic ingredients, you can have dinner on the table in no time, without having to dirty a ton of dishes.
2. Packed with Nutrients
This meal offers a healthy balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs. Chicken provides lean protein that’s essential for muscle growth and repair, spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals like iron and vitamin K, and pasta provides the energy-boosting carbs your body needs.
3. Flavorful Yet Light
The combination of lemon and Parmesan brings a delightful depth of flavor without weighing the dish down. The garlic and sautéed spinach create a savory base, and the chicken ties everything together with its tender, juicy texture.
Ingredients for Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts (2 boneless, skinless) – You’ll want to use lean chicken breasts for this dish. They cook quickly and remain juicy when prepared correctly.
- Pasta (8 oz) – Any short pasta works well, but penne, fusilli, or farfalle are ideal because they hold sauce well.
- Spinach (4 cups fresh) – Fresh spinach adds both flavor and nutrition. It wilts down significantly, so it seems like a lot, but it’s a perfect way to get your greens.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Garlic adds a fragrant, savory base to the dish.
- Lemon (1, juiced) – Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty, bright flavor that balances the richness of the Parmesan cheese.
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup grated) – Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor, adding both creaminess and a savory depth to the dish.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp) – For cooking the chicken and sautéing the garlic and spinach.
- Butter (1 tbsp) – Adds a bit of richness and helps to bring the ingredients together.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) for added flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. The pasta water will help bind the sauce together and thicken it if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Spinach
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Heat over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Next, add the spinach to the skillet. Stir occasionally until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes. This is the base of your dish and provides a beautiful green color and a savory flavor.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Once the spinach is wilted, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry. The starch from the pasta water helps to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
Add the sliced chicken back into the pan, along with the fresh lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and everything is well coated. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) for a little heat.
Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients
The flavor of your dish depends heavily on the quality of ingredients. Use fresh spinach, real Parmesan cheese (rather than pre-grated), and high-quality chicken breasts for the best results.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
To keep the chicken juicy and tender, be sure not to overcook it. It’s easy to overdo it in the pan, especially since chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), it’s done!
3. Customize the Veggies
While spinach is the star of this recipe, you can add other vegetables to suit your taste. Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
4. Make It Gluten-Free
If you’re on a gluten-free diet, simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety. There are many options available these days, from rice pasta to chickpea-based pasta, that still hold up well in this dish.
Variations and Additions
1. Swap the Chicken for Shrimp
For a seafood twist, substitute the chicken with shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a lovely briny flavor that pairs well with the lemon and Parmesan.
2. Add More Herbs
In addition to the lemon, consider adding fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley for extra aroma and freshness.
3. Make It Creamy
For a creamier version, you can add a splash of heavy cream or whole milk to the skillet when combining the pasta and spinach. This will create a luscious, velvety sauce.
4. Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta
For a healthier, fiber-rich version, opt for whole wheat pasta. If you’re gluten-sensitive, consider using a gluten-free pasta variety, which will still pair well with the rest of the ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is flavorful enough to stand on its own, but there are plenty of great side dishes that can complement it.
- Garlic Bread: A crusty, warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the sauce that coats the pasta.
- Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette would provide a light, refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or asparagus are great additions for an extra serving of vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan is a winning combination of healthy ingredients, ease of preparation, and unforgettable flavor. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner, as it comes together in under 30 minutes, but it’s also special enough to serve for guests or a weekend meal.
The dish offers flexibility, so feel free to customize it to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation.
Conclusion
This Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan is the epitome of a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal. With its balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Give it a try tonight, and let us know how you customize it to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with some of the variations, we’re sure it will become a new favorite!