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lemon-herb chicken & veggie whole wheat pasta recipe - Lemon-Herb Chicken & Veggie Whole Wheat Pasta served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Lemon-Herb Chicken & Veggie Whole Wheat Pasta

lemon-herb chicken & veggie whole wheat pasta recipe made easy at home. Tender grilled chicken and vibrant vegetables tossed with whole wheat pasta in a brigh
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz whole wheat penne pasta or gluten-free pasta
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts 2 medium breasts, pounded to even thickness
  • 2 cups broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 medium zucchini halved lengthwise and sliced
  • 3 cups fresh spinach packed
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil divided
Herb Blend
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • to taste salt and black pepper
Garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese optional, omit for dairy-free

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp basil, 1/4 tsp thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a cutting board to rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  3. In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add broccoli florets and sauté 3 minutes. Add zucchini and cherry tomatoes; cook 3-4 minutes until just tender. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, remaining 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp basil, 1/4 tsp thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in 1 tbsp olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
  5. Return the drained pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Add sliced chicken, pour the vinaigrette over everything, and toss gently. If it seems dry, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until saucy. Heat through for 1 minute.
  6. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.