Introduction

This Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Tender chunks of chicken, fresh spinach, al dente pasta, and a light yet flavorful lemon-Parmesan sauce come together in under 30 minutes. It’s creamy without being heavy, tangy from fresh lemon, and full of comfort in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of comfort and freshness in a single skillet. The tender chicken adds heartiness, the spinach brings a vibrant, nutrient-packed touch, and the lemon brightens everything up with a refreshing zing. Topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, every bite feels creamy, tangy, and satisfying without being heavy.

Another reason I adore this dish is its simplicity and convenience. It’s a true one-pan wonder—minimal dishes, quick cooking, and maximum flavor. On busy weeknights, I appreciate how I can pull it together in under 30 minutes, yet it still feels like something you’d order at a cozy Italian café.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it combines restaurant-quality flavor with weeknight simplicity. In less than 30 minutes, you get a pasta that’s creamy, zesty, and full of wholesome ingredients—without the fuss of complicated techniques or endless cleanup.

It’s also a must-try for the balance of flavors and textures. The juicy chicken makes it satisfying, the fresh spinach adds color and nutrients, the lemon juice provides brightness, and the Parmesan ties it all together with a rich, savory finish. It’s comfort food that won’t weigh you down, which makes it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Another reason this recipe is a must-try is its versatility. You can swap in different pastas, experiment with extra vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or even make it lighter by using whole-grain pasta. It’s a dish that adapts beautifully to your tastes and pantry staples.

Most importantly, it’s a must-try because it proves that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just one skillet and a few fresh ingredients, you can create a meal that’s wholesome, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to impress.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~420 kcal

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (225 g) penne, fusilli, or your pasta of choice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for creamier sauce)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Directions

1. Cook Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sauté for 4–5 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Make Sauce Base:
   In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
4. Add Pasta & Spinach:
   Stir in the cooked pasta and fresh spinach, allowing spinach to wilt slightly.
5. Finish with Lemon & Cheese:
   Return chicken to the skillet. Add lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until everything is coated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Boil pasta → drain → set aside.
2. Season & sauté chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through → remove from skillet.
3. Add garlic to skillet → cook 30 seconds.
4. Pour in broth & milk → scrape pan to release flavor.
5. Add pasta & spinach → stir until spinach wilts.
6. Return chicken → add lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan → toss until creamy.

How to Serve

Serve hot, directly from the skillet, with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair with garlic bread and a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• For creamier sauce: Use half-and-half or add a splash of heavy cream.
• Pasta water magic: Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water to loosen sauce if needed.
• Protein swaps: Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
• Extra flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean twist.

Recipe Variations

• Low-carb: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Vegetarian: Omit chicken and add mushrooms or chickpeas.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk to revive the sauce.
• Freezing: Not ideal due to dairy in the sauce, but cooked chicken and pasta can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet with lid
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Lemon zester (optional but recommended)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use almond or oat milk and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but the sauce thickens as it sits. Reheat with a splash of liquid.

Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and drain it well before adding to the skillet.

Conclusion

Chicken and Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan is the perfect weeknight meal—quick, flavorful, and wholesome. The bright lemon and savory Parmesan sauce will have everyone going back for seconds, and the one-pan cleanup will make you love it even more.