Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta
The ultimate comfort food, Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta combines zesty lemon flavors with tender chicken and fresh spinach for a dish that's both easy and satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
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, add water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini and cook according to the package directions. After cooking, drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- While the pasta cooks, take out a large skillet. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium-high. Once hot, add the diced chicken and season it with lemon pepper and kosher salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- When the chicken is nearly done, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- Next, pour in the lemon juice and toss in half of the spinach. Stir everything together and cover the skillet with a lid for about 2 minutes.
- After about 2 minutes, add the remaining half of the spinach and stir it in. Cook until all the spinach is wilted down.
- Now, it’s time to combine everything! Add the chicken and spinach mixture, along with all the cooking juices, to the pot with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Finally, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the minced basil. Give it one last good stir to mix everything together.
- Serve your Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta hot, and enjoy immediately. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days if you have leftovers.
Notes
- Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Tip 2: You can freeze this dish, but the texture of the pasta may change.
- Tip 3: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Tip 4: Consider stirring in some zest from the lemon before serving for an extra citrus kick.
- Tip 5: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to make it even more nutritious.