Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is a bright, flavorful dish that combines the zing of lemon with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant broccoli. This recipe is a fantastic option for weeknight dinners, providing a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs in one delicious bowl.

Light, creamy, and packed with fresh flavors, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for both busy nights and cozy dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

1. Slice the Chicken: Cut the chicken into thin slices or cubes for faster and even cooking.
2. Cut Broccoli: Divide the broccoli into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size.
3. Zest and Juice Lemon: Use a zester to get about 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, then juice the lemon for ¼ cup of juice.
4. Measure Out Ingredients: Make sure all other ingredients are measured and ready to go.

Cooking the Chicken and Broccoli

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

1. Boil Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Cook Broccoli: About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot to cook with the pasta. Once tender, drain both the pasta and broccoli.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Preparing the Lemon Cream Sauce

Step 4: Make the Lemon Cream Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Stir in the lemon zest and juice, letting it infuse with the garlic for about a minute.
3. Add Chicken Broth: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits for extra flavor.
4. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combining the Pasta and Sauce

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

1. Add Parmesan: Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
2. Add Pasta and Broccoli: Return the pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy lemon sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
3. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper as needed, adjusting to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

1. Garnish: Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right away while warm and creamy.
3. Side Options: Pair with a side salad, crusty bread, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Add More Vegetables: Try adding cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or baby spinach for more color and nutrition.
2. Swap the Protein: Replace chicken with shrimp, or make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding extra vegetables.
3. Use Different Pasta: This recipe works well with spaghetti, linguine, or even short pasta like farfalle and rotini.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Add it near the end of the pasta’s cooking time so it remains crisp-tender.
2. Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a bright, natural flavor that bottled lemon juice can’t match.
3. Balance Sauce Thickness: Add reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches the right consistency—smooth and creamy without being too thick.

Conclusion

Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is a light, creamy, and citrusy dish that brings fresh flavors to the dinner table. With juicy chicken, tender pasta, and vibrant broccoli coated in a lemony cream sauce, this dish is both satisfying and refreshing. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and sure to be a hit with family and friends. Serve it up with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy this bright, delicious meal that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!

Yield: 4

Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

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Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is a bright, flavorful dish that combines the zing of lemon with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant broccoli. This recipe is a fantastic option for weeknight dinners, providing a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs in one delicious bowl. Light, creamy, and packed with fresh flavors, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for both busy nights and cozy dinners.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Pasta:
• 8 oz penne or spaghetti pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
   In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Prepare the Lemon Cream Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken.
   
4. Combine and Serve:
   Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet with the lemon sauce. Toss everything together to coat well.
   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
   
5. Garnish and Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan, if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Broccoli Substitute: Asparagus or green beans work well in place of broccoli for variety.

Lemon Flavor: For a stronger lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.