Solo Green Beans and Chicken with Pasta
Perfectly portioned for one, Solo Green Beans and Chicken with Pasta is a vibrant and satisfying meal that combines tender, golden-browned chicken, crisp green beans, and al dente pasta in a light, buttery lemon-garlic sauce. With just the right balance of savory and zesty flavors, this quick and easy recipe comes together in only 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or solo indulgence. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes takes this dish to the next level, while its simple ingredients and one-pan cooking method make cleanup a breeze. Whether you're craving comfort or a wholesome dinner for one, this recipe is sure to impress. Perfect for lovers of chicken pasta recipes, vegetable-forward meals, or effortless cooking!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 piece (about 6 ounces) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup green beans
- 3 ounces (about 3/4 cup dry) pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon, divided salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons, grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Fill a medium pot with water, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, trim the ends off the green beans and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Set aside.
Slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the green beans to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still crisp.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the green beans. Add the drained pasta, reserved pasta water, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and heat everything through, about 2 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. If using, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your solo green beans and chicken with pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
578 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.3 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.0 g | 45% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 176 mg | 59% | |
| Sodium | 2668 mg | 116% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.7 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.4 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.7 g | ||
| Protein | 61.0 g | 122% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 104 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 4.2 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 844 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
