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4.5 from 54 votes

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!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 368 kcal
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. To a large pot, boil the pasta according to package directions; drain and return to the large pot.
  2. 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.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for one minute, or until fragrant. Stir nearly constantly.
  4. 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.
  5. Add the remaining half of the spinach, and stir to combine until wilted.
  6. Add the chicken, spinach, and all cooking juices to the pot with the cooked pasta, and stir to combine.
  7. 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

  • 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.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 368kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 26g (9%) Protein 35g (70%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 10g Cholesterol 80mg (27%) Sodium 748mg (31%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 1g (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

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.