Description
A delightful dish combining golden-brown chicken with pasta, fresh spinach, and vibrant lemon-garlic sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then reserve about half a cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
- Heat the Oil: In a skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is ready, add the chicken to the pan. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side, allowing it to develop a golden crust and cook through.
- Sauté the Garlic: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Lemon and Greens: Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and add the lemon zest, followed by the spinach and basil. Stir until the spinach wilts.
- Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet. Toss in the pasta, mixing everything thoroughly. If the mixture feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to enhance the sauce’s creaminess.
- Serve: Plate your vibrant dish warm and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Chop herbs and zest lemon ahead of time for a seamless cooking experience. Consider using chicken thighs or spaghetti squash for variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg