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A table spread with various dishes that form an easy dinner recipe healthy for families.

Hearty Lemon-Herb Chicken & Veggie Pasta

This easy and delicious pasta dish features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a bright lemon-herb sauce, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
Vegetables & Flavor
  • 4 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes), fresh or frozen
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Optional Garnish
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, then add the whole wheat pasta and cook until al dente.
  2. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
  4. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet, then add the mixed vegetables.
  6. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables, then add the drained pasta, lemon juice, and the reserved pasta water.
  8. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and heated through, then taste and adjust seasonings.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian herbs. This recipe is also great with shrimp instead of chicken!