Imagine a dish that combines the tangy brightness of lemon, the tender juiciness of perfectly cooked chicken, and the vibrant crunch of broccoli - all tossed together with perfectly al dente pasta. This Lemon Chicken Broccoli Pasta is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that will transform your weeknight dinner routine from mundane to magnificent! In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious, proving that quick meals can be both exciting and gourmet.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add penne pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, season diced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and minced garlic, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Return chicken to the skillet, then add drained pasta, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve hot, garnishing with extra lemon zest if desired.
Tips
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Use plenty of salt when boiling pasta to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Chicken Temperature Matters: Always ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for food safety.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together.
- Don't Overcook Broccoli: Keep it bright green and crisp-tender for the best texture and nutritional value.
- Fresh Lemon is Key: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor.
- Quick Tip for Busy Cooks: You can prep ingredients while pasta is cooking to save time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
