Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan: One-Pan Perfection in 30 Minutes

Introduction: One-Pan Comfort with a Zesty Twist 🍋🍗🍝

A Mediterranean-Inspired Weeknight Winner

Looking for a wholesome, flavor-packed dinner that doesn’t involve a pile of dishes? This Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan hits all the right notes—tangy, savory, cheesy, and light—all made in just one pan.

Rooted in the principles of Mediterranean cuisine, this dish brings together lean protein, leafy greens, fresh citrus, and Parmesan in perfect harmony. The lemon not only brightens the sauce, but also balances the richness of the chicken and cheese, while fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a gentle earthiness.

A Global Favorite for Busy Home Cooks

It’s no surprise that this recipe is a favorite across countries like:

1. 🇺🇸 United States

2. 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

3. 🇨🇦 Canada

4. 🇦🇺 Australia

5. 🇳🇿 New Zealand

Why? Because it’s everything we want in a dinner: quick, healthy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or whipping up something fast after work, this pasta brings restaurant-quality flavor with weeknight simplicity.

What You’ll Need to Make This Skillet Pasta 🍽️🧄🧂

Essential Kitchen Tools 🔧

You won’t need a lot to make this one-pan wonder. Just a few versatile kitchen staples:

• Large skillet or sauté pan – A 12-inch nonstick or stainless skillet works best

• Mixing bowls – For prepping and organizing your ingredients

• Measuring cups and spoons – Precision helps the flavors pop

• Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula – To stir without scratching your pan

• Knife and cutting board – For slicing chicken and prepping garlic, lemon, and spinach

🧼 Cleanup Tip: Since it’s a one-pan recipe, you’ll have minimal mess—just one pan and one pot if you pre-boil the pasta.

Pantry & Fridge Staples 🧄🍗🍋

Most of these ingredients are easy-to-find kitchen basics, making this a go-to when you’re low on time but still want something nourishing:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Lean protein that cooks quickly

• Penne pasta – Holds onto sauce and mixes beautifully with spinach

• Fresh spinach – Packs in nutrients and volume

• Garlic – Essential aromatic for the sauce

• Lemons – Juice and zest brighten and balance the dish

• Grated Parmesan cheese – Salty, umami-rich finish

• Olive oil – For sautéing and flavor

• Dry white wine or chicken broth – Adds acidity and depth to the sauce

💡 Ingredient Swap: Use baby kale, arugula, or Swiss chard in place of spinach for a twist.

Ingredients List for Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta 🧾🍗🍋

Main Ingredients 🥘

This recipe is all about balance—protein, greens, carbs, and flavor—all in a single skillet.

• 8 oz penne pasta – Cooked al dente; short pasta holds sauce and mixes evenly

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – Quick-cooking, lean protein

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for sautéing chicken and garlic

• 4 cloves garlic, minced – For bold, aromatic flavor

• ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth – Adds depth and helps create a light sauce

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon – For brightness and acidity

• 10 cups fresh spinach, chopped – Wilts down beautifully into the pasta

• ½ teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste depending on broth and Parmesan saltiness

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds just the right amount of bite

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Salty, umami-rich finish to the sauce

🧄 Ingredient Note: You can use pre-minced garlic in a pinch, but freshly chopped delivers the best flavor.

Optional Enhancements ✨

Want to make this dish your own? Consider these easy additions:

• Red pepper flakes – For a subtle heat

• Chopped fresh parsley or basil – For a burst of freshness before serving

• Extra lemon zest or a drizzle of lemon olive oil – To boost citrus flavor

How to Make Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan 🍋🍗🍝

Step 1: Cook the Pasta 🍝

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (usually 9–11 minutes).
Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

💡 Pasta Tip: Stir during the first few minutes of boiling to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken 🔥

In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a bowl and set aside.

🍗 Searing Tip: Let the chicken sit undisturbed for a minute or two on each side to get a golden crust.

Step 3: Build the Lemon-Garlic Sauce 🍋🧄

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean—those brown bits add flavor!), reduce heat to medium.
Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in ½ cup white wine or chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze.

🧄 Sauce Tip: Wine adds brightness, but broth works well if you prefer alcohol-free.

Step 4: Combine It All 🥬🧀

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add 10 cups of fresh spinach and the cooked pasta.
Toss everything together over medium heat until the spinach wilts—about 2 minutes.
Sprinkle in ¼ cup grated Parmesan, stir to coat, and serve warm.

🌿 Finish Strong: Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with extra cheese, lemon zest, or parsley.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) 📊🍽️💪

Light, Satisfying, and Full of Flavor

This one-pan pasta meal strikes a balance between comfort and nutrition. With lean protein, whole ingredients, and a light citrusy sauce, it’s as wholesome as it is delicious.

Here’s the approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 portions):

• Calories: 450

• Protein: 35g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Fat: 15g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 85mg

• Sodium: 400mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 2g

🍋 Why it works: The lemon cuts through the richness of the Parmesan and chicken, keeping the dish bright and satisfying without being heavy.

How to Adjust for Your Diet ⚖️

This recipe is flexible and easy to tailor:

• Lower carbs? Swap penne for chickpea pasta or zucchini noodles

• More protein? Add an extra chicken breast or top with hemp seeds

• Dairy-free? Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan

• Lower sodium? Use reduced-sodium broth and go light on added salt

🥗 Meal Prep Tip: Pair with roasted vegetables or a green salad to add volume and fiber with minimal calories.

Serving & Storage Tips 🍽️🥡

How to Serve It 🍋🧀

This pasta is delicious straight from the skillet, but here are a few ways to make it a full, satisfying meal:

• Top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for brightness

• Add a handful of chopped parsley or basil for fresh, herbaceous flavor

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette

• Finish with cracked black pepper or a drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil

🥖 Entertaining Tip: Serve the pasta directly in the skillet at the center of the table for a rustic, family-style dinner experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions 🔁🧊

One of the best parts about this recipe? It stores and reheats like a dream.

Refrigerator:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days

• Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce

• Alternatively, microwave in 45-second intervals, stirring between each

Freezing:

• Not ideal due to spinach texture, but you can freeze without spinach, then stir fresh spinach in when reheating

🍱 Meal Prep Tip: Divide into containers with lemon wedges on the side—fresh citrus brightens reheated portions beautifully.

Recipe Variations to Try 🔄🍽️🌱

Creamy Version 🧄🥛

Want something richer? This variation adds a smooth, velvety finish to the sauce:

• Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or 2 tablespoons cream cheese after adding the chicken broth or wine

• Let it simmer briefly to thicken before adding pasta and spinach

• Finish with a little extra Parmesan for a luscious, cheesy texture

🥄 Flavor Pairing: Top with cracked black pepper and a dash of nutmeg for depth.

Vegetarian Option 🥦🍄

Skip the chicken and go green with this plant-forward version:

• Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, tofu cubes, or chickpeas

• Keep everything else the same—spinach, garlic, lemon, and cheese make it shine

• Optional: add sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for more flavor

🌿 Protein Boost: Chickpeas or white beans add protein and texture without meat.

Gluten-Free Adaptation 🌾🚫

Keep it light and gluten-free with a few easy swaps:

• Use gluten-free penne, brown rice pasta, or lentil pasta

• Double-check that your broth and Parmesan are gluten-free certified

• Add a drizzle of olive oil just before serving to enhance flavor

✨ Tip: Gluten-free pasta tends to absorb sauce—save a little extra broth to stir in as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions ❓🍝🍗

1. Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?

Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works beautifully here.
Simply skip the sautéing step and add the chopped chicken when returning ingredients to the skillet in Step 4. Heat it through with the pasta and spinach.

♻️ Bonus: This is a great way to repurpose rotisserie chicken or meal-prepped chicken breasts.

2. What type of pasta works best in a skillet meal? 🍝

Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, rotini, or rigatoni work best.
They cook evenly and do a great job of holding onto the lemony sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want to switch it up, try whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein.

3. How do I make this dish more creamy or more light? ☁️

To make it creamier, stir in:

• Heavy cream, half-and-half, or a dollop of cream cheese

• A bit of butter with Parmesan for richness

To keep it light, stick with:

• Lemon juice, broth, and a touch of olive oil

• Optional: Add a little pasta water to loosen the sauce without heaviness

🌿 Balance Tip: Lemon keeps the dish bright no matter how rich or light you make it.

4. Can I add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini? 🍄🥒

Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable.
Try sautéing:

• Sliced mushrooms

• Zucchini

• Bell peppers

• Artichoke hearts

Sauté them in olive oil before or with the garlic for extra flavor and volume.

Conclusion: One Pan, Endless Possibilities 🏁🍽️✨

 

If your weeknights are packed but your palate craves something fresh and satisfying, this Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan delivers. It’s hearty without being heavy, vibrant without being fussy, and full of flavor without demanding a sink full of dishes.

The magic of this meal lies in its balance—tender chicken, leafy greens, and bright lemon tied together with Parmesan and pasta for a dish that feels comforting and light all at once. Best of all? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, all in one pan.

💬 Tried it your way? Drop a comment below to share your favorite twist or add-on. Whether you swapped in mushrooms, went gluten-free, or added a touch of cream, we’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Thanks for cooking with us—and happy skillet-ing! 🧑‍🍳🍋