Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep: Deliciously Easy

Okay, so let’s talk meal prep! Seriously, who HAS the time, right? I used to grab whatever was fastest – usually something super unhealthy. Then I discovered meal prepping, and it’s been a total game-changer. And this Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta? Trust me, it’s my absolute go-to. It’s seriously the *perfect* high-protein, low-calorie meal prep option. It’s so easy to throw together, and it tastes amazing even after a few days in the fridge. Plus, it’s packed with protein to keep you full and energized. So, if you’re looking for a balanced meal that’s also crazy convenient, you’ve GOT to try this!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Quick and Easy Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 35 minutes. That’s it! And most of that is just letting the pasta cook. Score!

High-Protein Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

This recipe packs a whopping 30 grams of protein per serving! That’s gonna keep you full and satisfied, no afternoon slump here!

Healthy and Balanced Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Lean chicken, complex carbs from the pasta, and you can toss in whatever veggies you like. It’s a total win for a wholesome, balanced meal.

Flavorful Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

The lemon herb sauce? Oh. My. Goodness. It’s bright, zesty, and totally addictive. My favorite part is that the lemon brightens up the entire dish.

Perfect for Meal Prepping

This recipe is MADE for meal prepping. It holds up great in the fridge, and the flavors actually get even better over time. Seriously!

Ingredients for Your Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Chicken

You’ll need about 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I like to buy them in bulk when they’re on sale!

Pasta

Grab 1 pound of pasta. Penne or rotini work great, but honestly, use whatever you have in your pantry. I’ve even used bowties before!

Lemon

One juicy lemon! You’ll need both the juice *and* the zest, so don’t skimp. Trust me, the zest makes a HUGE difference.

Olive Oil

Two tablespoons of good ol’ olive oil. Nothing fancy needed here!

Garlic

Two cloves of garlic, minced. Or, you know, use the pre-minced stuff if you’re in a rush. I won’t judge!

Fresh Herbs

About 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs. I usually go for a mix of parsley, basil, and oregano. But hey, use what you like!

Salt and Pepper

To taste, of course! Don’t be shy with the pepper, though. It adds a nice little kick.

Optional Vegetables

Okay, this is where you can get creative! Broccoli, spinach, bell peppers… whatever you’re craving. I usually toss in whatever veggies are about to go bad in my fridge. Oops!

How to Prepare Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep: Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

First things first, get that pasta going! Just follow the directions on the package. I like to cook mine al dente – you know, with a little bite to it. That way, it doesn’t get all mushy when you reheat it later. Drain it well and set it aside.

Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta’s cooking, chop your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook faster and makes it easier to eat later in your meal prep containers.

Sauté Garlic

Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, toss in your minced garlic and cook it until it’s fragrant – about a minute or so. Careful not to burn it!

Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it until it’s fully cooked. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on how big your chicken pieces are. Make sure it’s cooked all the way through!

Make the Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Sauce

Now for the magic! Stir in that lemon juice, lemon zest, and all those lovely fresh herbs. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. This is where you can really make it your own!

Combine Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta and Vegetables

Add the cooked pasta and whatever optional veggies you’re using to the skillet. Toss everything together until it’s all nicely combined and coated in that delicious lemon herb sauce.

Divide into Meal Prep Containers

Grab your meal prep containers and evenly divide the pasta mixture among them. I usually get about 4 servings out of this recipe.

Store

Let the containers cool down a bit, then pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 4 days. Perfect for a week of easy, healthy lunches or dinners!

Tips for the Best Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Seriously, this is key! You want your pasta al dente – firm to the bite. If you overcook it, it’ll turn into a mushy mess after it sits in the fridge. Nobody wants that!

Use Fresh Herbs

Okay, I know dried herbs are convenient, but trust me on this one: fresh herbs make a WORLD of difference. They add so much more flavor and brightness to the dish. It’s worth the extra effort, I promise!

Adjust Seasoning

Taste, taste, TASTE! Before you toss everything together, give that sauce a good taste. Does it need more lemon juice? More herbs? A pinch more salt? Adjust it to your liking. It’s your meal prep, after all!

Prevent Dryness

Sometimes, when you reheat pasta, it can get a little dry. To avoid this, add a tiny splash of olive oil or chicken broth to the container before you microwave it. It’ll keep things nice and moist. You can thank me later!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Pasta Options

So, I usually go with penne or rotini because they’re just classic, you know? But hey, if you’re gluten-free, definitely grab some gluten-free pasta! And whole wheat pasta is a great way to sneak in some extra fiber. Just cook it according to the package directions; sometimes it needs a little extra time.

Herb Variations

Okay, fresh herbs are the BEST, but I get it – sometimes you just don’t have them on hand. If that’s the case, Italian seasoning works in a pinch! Just use about a teaspoon or so. It won’t be *quite* the same, but it’ll still be tasty.

Protein Alternatives

Not feeling chicken? No problem! Shrimp would be SO yummy in this. Or, if you’re vegetarian or vegan, tofu is a great option! Just press it to get rid of extra water, then cube it and pan-fry it until it’s golden brown.

Vegetable Swaps

Seriously, the sky’s the limit with veggies! Zucchini, asparagus, cherry tomatoes… they’d all be delicious in this. Just toss them in the skillet with the chicken and cook them until they’re tender-crisp. Easy peasy!

Serving Suggestions for Your Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Side Salad

A simple side salad is the perfect complement to this pasta. I like a light vinaigrette dressing – something with a little tang to it. You know, to balance out the richness of the pasta. Mmm!

Crusty Bread

Okay, who doesn’t love crusty bread? Especially for dipping in that yummy lemon herb sauce! It’s totally optional, but it adds a little something extra. Plus, it’s great for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

Parmesan Cheese

A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top? Yes, please! It adds a nice salty, savory flavor that goes perfectly with the lemon and herbs. Just a little bit is all you need!

Storing and Reheating Your Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Storage

Make sure you let those containers cool down a bit before you pop them in the fridge, okay? Then, just seal them up in airtight containers. They’ll be good for up to 4 days – perfect for a busy week!

Reheating

When you’re ready to eat, just microwave it until it’s heated through. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth. That’ll keep it nice and moist. Nobody likes dry pasta!

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Can I freeze this Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep?

You know what? You actually *can* freeze this! I recommend letting it cool completely first, then popping it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Just keep in mind that the pasta might be a *little* softer after freezing and thawing, but it’ll still taste great!

How long does this Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep last in the refrigerator?

Okay, so this *Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep* is good in the fridge for up to 4 days. I wouldn’t push it much longer than that, just to be safe. You want to make sure that chicken stays fresh!

Is this Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep gluten-free?

As is, no, this isn’t gluten-free because of the pasta. But, easy fix! Just swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are tons of great options out there now, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one you like!

Can I add other vegetables to this Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep?

Um, YES! Seriously, get creative! I love adding roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or even some spinach. Just toss them in with the chicken while it’s cooking. The more veggies, the better, right?

How can I make this Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep spicier?

Ooh, good question! If you want to add a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet when you’re cooking the chicken. You could also use a spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken, that’d be amazing!

Nutritional Information for Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep

Alright, so here’s the lowdown on the nutritional info for this Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, okay? It can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use. But roughly, you’re looking at around 450 calories per serving, with about 15 grams of fat, 50 grams of carbs, and a whopping 30 grams of protein! Not bad, right? It’s a pretty balanced meal, perfect for keeping you fueled up and feeling good. Of course, sugar is around 5g, sodium is 200mg, saturated fat is 3g, unsaturated fat is 10g, trans fat is 0g, fiber is 5g and cholesterol is 75mg. But yeah, that’s the gist of it! Enjoy!

Ready to enjoy Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep?

So, what are you waiting for? Seriously, give this recipe a try! I promise, you won’t regret it. And hey, if you do make it, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Or even better, snap a pic and share it on social media! I’d love to see your creations. Happy meal prepping!

For more meal prep inspiration, check out RecipesQuik on Pinterest!

Ready to enjoy Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep?

Okay, your turn! Make this Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Meal Prep, and then tell me what you think! Rate the recipe or leave a comment – and share it with your friends!

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