Zesty Spinach Chicken Spaghetti: A Simple Bowl of Sunshine

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 Zesty Spinach Chicken Spaghetti: A Simple Bowl of Sunshine

Sometimes, healing looks like lighting a candle and diving into your shadow work.
Other times? It looks like a quick spaghetti dish that reminds you life doesn’t have to be so heavy.

This week, I opened my fridge to odds and ends—leftover chicken, a handful of spinach, half a box of spaghetti. And in true Beyond Lemonade fashion, I decided to turn what I had into something that nourished me body and soul.

This isn’t just a recipe. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to wait for the perfect moment, the perfect pantry, or the perfect version of ourselves to make magic. We just have to show up—with what we have—and trust that a little lemon zest and a lot of heart go a long way.

This Sunshine Noodle Bowl is light, bright, and full of feel-good fuel. Whether you're feeding your family, your inner child, or your healing self, this one’s for you.


🍋✨ Zesty Spinach Chicken Spaghetti (aka Sunshine Noodle Bowl)

This light, bright pasta dish is the perfect way to turn a few simple ingredients into a feel-good meal. The lemon zest gives it a sunny twist, the spinach keeps it fresh, and the chicken adds satisfying protein. It’s a one-pan wonder that tastes like you tried way harder than you did. 😉

📝 Ingredients:

  • Spaghetti noodles (about 8 oz cooked)

  • 1–2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)

  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

  • 2–3 garlic cloves (minced) or 1 tsp garlic powder

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • Optional: Red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, squeeze of lemon juice





👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Cook your spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.

  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).

  3. Add spinach and stir until just wilted. If using frozen spinach, cook until warmed through and water evaporates.

  4. Toss in the cooked chicken, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any optional seasoning you like.

  5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together. Use a splash of the reserved pasta water to bring it all together into a light sauce.

  6. Zest your lemon right over the top and give it a final toss. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing, if desired.

  7. Serve warm, with a smile. 🍽️

🌟 Why We Love It:

  • Comes together in under 20 minutes

  • Budget-friendly and full of pantry staples

  • Tastes like sunshine in a bowl!

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