Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe | Zesty & Quick Meal
I’ve always loved quick, fresh meals that feel both light and satisfying, and this Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe hits all the right notes. Every time I make it, the bright citrus flavor wakes up my taste buds, while tender chicken and crisp broccoli make it hearty enough for a full meal.
If you enjoy recipes with hearty proteins, you can also enjoy a Steak Gyro Bowl Recipe for a similar meaty, flavorful experience. What I love most is how fast it comes together—less than 30 minutes! Plus, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a packed lunch. I’m excited to share my version of this simple, flavorful recipe.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this vibrant pasta dish:
- Whole wheat pasta, 8 oz: adds fiber and nutrients; cooks al dente for best texture.
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons: healthy fat for sautéing and adding flavor.
- Chicken breasts, 2 medium: choose organic or free-range for the juiciest result.
- Lemon pepper seasoning, 1 teaspoon: delivers a zesty citrus punch with a hint of spice.
- Garlic, 3 cloves, minced: fresh garlic adds a fragrant, savory depth.
- Broccoli florets, 2 cups: fresh is best to maintain a crisp texture and retain nutrients.
- Lemon juice, 2 tablespoons: provides bright acidity to enhance flavors.
- Lemon zest, 1 teaspoon: intensifies the lemony aroma and taste.
- Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup, freshly grated: melts perfectly and adds savory richness.
Note: several serving as a note of full line under the ingredients quantity.
Variations
You can customize this pasta to suit different diets or flavor preferences:
- Dairy-free: swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Gluten-free: use rice noodles or another gluten-free pasta.
- Extra veggies: add zucchini, spinach, or green peas for more color and nutrition.
- Protein alternatives: shrimp or tofu work well if you want to switch up the protein. You can also try a Steak Tacos with Corn Salsa Recipe for another protein-packed twist.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large pot: for boiling pasta.
- Large skillet or sauté pan: to cook chicken and vegetables.
- Cutting board: for chopping chicken, garlic, and broccoli.
- Knife: to prep all ingredients.
- Grater: for zesting the lemon and grating Parmesan.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and season with lemon pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken until opaque, then add garlic and brown lightly. Remove from heat.
Sauté the Broccoli
In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and add broccoli. Sauté just until crisp-tender to preserve nutrients and texture.
Combine Ingredients
Return the chicken to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, lemon juice, and zest. Toss everything together until well-coated and flavorful.
Serve and Garnish
Top with freshly grated Parmesan and a few lemon wedges for extra zest. Serve immediately while warm.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
- I always cut chicken into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
- I never overcook broccoli; a little crunch adds a fresh texture I love.
- Using fresh garlic and lemon zest elevates the flavors instantly.
- I sometimes add a drizzle of olive oil just before serving for extra richness.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
This dish looks great straight from the skillet, but you can also:
- Plate in a shallow bowl and sprinkle Parmesan evenly.
- Garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs like parsley.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the main nutrition facts per serving:
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 12g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight.
Freezing
This pasta isn’t ideal for long-term freezing due to broccoli texture, but chicken and pasta can be frozen separately for up to a month.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to keep pasta from drying out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why I always keep this on my meal rotation:
- Quick and easy: ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor-packed: lemon, garlic, and Parmesan create a bright, savory combo.
- Versatile: easy to swap proteins or vegetables based on preference.
- Healthy and satisfying: whole wheat pasta, lean chicken, and nutrient-rich broccoli.
- Great for leftovers: tastes just as good cold as a pasta salad.
Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by boiling the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and season with lemon pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken until opaque, then add garlic and brown lightly. Remove from heat.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and add broccoli. Sauté just until crisp-tender to preserve nutrients and texture.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, lemon juice, and zest. Toss everything together until well-coated and flavorful.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan and a few lemon wedges for extra zest. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- I always cut chicken into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
- I never overcook broccoli; a little crunch adds a fresh texture I love.
- Using fresh garlic and lemon zest elevates the flavors instantly.
- I sometimes add a drizzle of olive oil just before serving for extra richness.