Lemon Pepper Basil Chicken and Pasta
🍋🥬 EASY and ready in 15 minutes with comforting pasta, juicy chicken, and there is so much ZESTY flavor from the lemon, basil, and spinach! A family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 368cal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini cooked according to package directions (small shells, wheels, bowtie, penne, or small-shaped pasta may be substituted)
- 1.25 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon pepper or to taste
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic finely minced or pressed
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 6 ounces fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup fresh basil minced, or to taste
Instructions
- To a large pot, boil the pasta according to package directions; drain and return to the large pot.
- While pasta cooks, to a separate large skillet, add the chicken, drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, evenly season with lemon pepper, salt, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Stir and flip intermittently to ensure even cooking.
- Add the garlic and cook for one minute, or until fragrant. Stir nearly constantly.
- Add the lemon juice, half the spinach, stir to combine, and cover skillet with a lid for about 2 minutes to encourage spinach to wilt.
- Add the remaining half of the spinach, and stir to combine until wilted.
- Add the chicken, spinach, and all cooking juices to the pot with the cooked pasta, and stir to combine.
- Add the basil, remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, and stir to combine. Serve immediately. Recipe will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
- 1. Optionally stir in about 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon zest for extra lemon flavor at the end.
- Optionally add about 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the end.
- Storage: Leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat with a bit of olive oil in a pan over medium heat or in 20-30 second increments in the microwave.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 368cal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 748mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g
