Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan (Creamy One-Pan Weeknight Dinner)
- Sarah Smith
- Oct 30, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 30
This Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta is creamy, bright, and full of fresh lemon-Parmesan flavor, combining juicy chicken, tender pasta, and wilted spinach in one easy, comforting dish. This one-pan chicken pasta recipe is rich without feeling heavy, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners that still feel fresh and satisfying.
If you love cozy, easy dinners like Marry Me Chicken, Creamy Tuscan Chicken, or Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells, this lemon Parmesan chicken pasta is another flavorful option to add to your rotation. You can also explore more quick and satisfying meals in the Quick Dinner Ideas collection for easy, family-friendly dinners.
Why You’ll Love This
Creamy lemon-Parmesan sauce that’s rich but fresh
One-pan meal with minimal cleanup
Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta
Ready in about 30 minutes
Great for busy weeknights
Recipe Card
Servings: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
(Per Serving)
Calories: 520
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fat: 24 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 4 g
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (450 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and black pepper, to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth (480 ml)
1 cup milk (240 ml)
8 ounces penne, rotini, or short pasta (225 g)
3 cups fresh baby spinach (90 g)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Garlic:
In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Pasta and Liquids:
Pour in chicken broth and milk. Stir in uncooked pasta. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Add Spinach and Chicken:
Return chicken to the skillet. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
Finish the Sauce:
Stir in Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in butter if using.
Serve:
Top with extra Parmesan and black pepper. Serve with lemon wedges.
Tips & Variations
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture
Add red pepper flakes for a little heat
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
Swap chicken for shrimp for a lighter version
Add a splash of cream for a richer sauce
Make-Ahead & Storage
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk
Best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, add it during the final step to heat through.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and squeeze dry before adding.
How do I keep the sauce creamy?
Add reserved liquid or broth to loosen the sauce when reheating.
What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowties works best.
Can I make this lighter?
Use lower-fat milk and add extra lemon for brightness.
More Cozy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re building a rotation of easy, comforting meals, try these next:
Final Thoughts
This Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan is the perfect balance of creamy and fresh, making it a go-to recipe for easy dinners that don’t feel heavy. With simple ingredients and one-pan cooking, it’s a reliable meal you can turn to any night of the week.
