4.5 from 54 votes
Lemon Pepper Basil Chicken and Pasta
Lemon Pepper Basil Chicken and Pasta blends diced chicken breast seasoned with lemon pepper and garlic with fresh spinach, basil, and lemon juice, combined with cooked rotini pasta. Olive oil enriches the dish, resulting in a light but flavorful meal balancing herbaceous, citrusy, and savory notes. This dish serves as a filling main course with fresh ingredients and tender chicken.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Calories:
368 kcal
Course:
Lunch
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta cooked according to package directions (small shells, wheels, bowtie, penne, or small-shaped pasta may be substituted
- 1.25 pound chicken breast diced into bite-sized pieces, boneless skinless
- 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 spinach fresh baby
- ½ cup basil minced, or to taste, fresh
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.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- For enhanced lemon flavor, stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon zest just before serving.
- Optionally add about 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enrich the dish right at the end.
- Store leftovers airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat gently to keep chicken moist.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
368kcal
(18%)
Carbohydrates
26g
(9%)
Protein
35g
(70%)
Fat
13g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
10g
(59%)
Cholesterol
80mg
(27%)
Sodium
748mg
(31%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 368
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 368kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10g | 59% |
| Cholesterol | 80mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 748mg | 31% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.