Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta +Video

A refreshing twist on traditional pasta dishes, this lemon basil pasta with chicken is the perfect summer meal. With a burst of citrus and a hint of fresh herbs, this dish is packed with protein and flavor. It’s sure to become a family favorite.

*I am in a partnership with Tyson Foods and while I was compensated for this post all opinions remain my own. This is a sponsored post with Tyson® Foods

Watch How to Make Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta

This easy chicken pasta dish has become one of our favorite post-workout meals too. When we get home from the gym, we always want some good protein, a filling meal, but light enough that we don’t feel gross. Cue the Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta. We have been enjoying Tyson® Foods Grilled & Ready® Products to find the perfect meals for just these occasions.

Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Chicken are low in fat and high in nutrition. Thankfully we still had a ton of the Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Chicken Breast Strips and a little basil, spinach, and lemon in the fridge. These are obviously all meant for each other, so the pasta dish came together quickly, especially because the chicken comes fully cooked.

Everything was ready to eat and we were able to sit back and enjoy dinner as a family rather quickly. Dinner was on the table in less than 20 minutes! The kids loved the pasta, but especially the chicken. It was their favorite part. But that’s what I love about having a bag or two of the chicken in the freezer. I’m never stuck making unhealthy decisions when planning ahead didn’t happen.

And my favorite part? We loved this pasta served warm but it was equally delicious and flavorful cold as a pasta salad the next day for lunch. And, no cooking time needed so it’s perfect for school or work.

Ingredients for Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta

The sauce for this pasta recipe is so bright and fresh! The basil and spinach add bright green color and so much flavor. Then you have the lemon! Good golly, I love lemon! Then we add a few more ingredients for flavor, sweetness and acidity and dinner is on the table! Here is what you will need:

• Penne Pasta: shells, bowtie, or rotini would also work great
• Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Chicken
• Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: I like to slice them in half.

For the Dressing

• Spinach
• Fresh Basil
• Garlic
• Lemon Zest and Juice
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Honey
• Salt

The measurements needed of each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post. Keep scrolling for all the details.

How to Make Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta

I mentioned earlier that this recipe is ready in less than 20 minutes, so now I’m going to prove it. Here are the basic steps:

1. Cook: Bring a large pot of water to boil, add some salt, then add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and place in a large bowl.
2. Blend: Add all the spinach, basil leaves, garlic and lemon zest to a blender or a food processor and blend until the greens are finely chopped. Then add the rest of the ingredients for the sauce and blend until it looks like pesto. Salt to taste.
3. Toss: Add the sauce to the pasta and stir together with the chicken and the tomatoes.

The complete instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Can I Grill My Own Chicken?

Yes, absolutely! Our 3-ingredient grilled chicken would make a great addition to this pasta dish.

Will Pasta Cook in a Crock Pot?

Pasta can quickly turn into a mushy mess in the slow cooker. If you are making a pasta sauce in the slow cooker and want to add the pasta, pour 1 cup of water plus the pasta into the crock pot when there is just 30 minutes left in the cooking cycle.

How Do You Know If Pasta is Done?

The only real way to know if pasta is done is to taste it. Pasta should be al dente, or firm to the taste. The longer pasta cooks, the stickier and gummier it becomes. If it is sticky enough to stick to the wall, it is over-cooked!

Does Basil Have Vitamin C?

Basil does have a small amount of Vitamin C, but it is packed with other beneficial nutrients. Basil may have anti-inflammatory qualities and is a potent antibacterial. It contains a wide range of essential oils and is also a very good source of vitamin A.

What to Serve with Lemon Basil Pasta with Chicken

This lemon chicken pasta can stand on its own as a meal. If you’re a parmesan lover, add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese over the top of your serving!

If you want to add a side dish to it, our tropical fruit salad, herbed focaccia bread, grilled asparagus, lemon roasted broccoli, or sauteed snap peas would all be a great choice.

Storage Tips

Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container and will keep for 4-5 days. It can be reheated in the microwave or eaten cold.

This delicious and easy lemon basil pasta with chicken is the perfect summer meal. Bursting with fresh flavors and healthy protein, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that can be made in just 20 minutes.

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