Lemon Chicken And Broccoli Pasta
Content Editor
Picture this: a sun-soaked afternoon, your friends gathered around the patio, and the scent of something delicious wafting through the air. You’ve got freshly grilled chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and vibrant greens on your table.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 525 kcal
- 3 medium boneless skinless chicken fillets
- 1 tablespoon zesty lemon-pepper blend
- 5 tablespoons extra-light olive oil divided
- 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 3 cups tender broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons grated zest from a fresh lemon
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces whole grain fusilli pasta
- Shaved Parmesan cheese for garnish
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial because it helps the seasoning stick better.
Next, generously sprinkle the lemon-pepper blend over the chicken, coating both sides. The blend will impart a lovely flavor during cooking that you’ll absolutely adore.
Step 2: Sauté The Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken fillets.
Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it's ready when the juices run clear. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes.
Drain the pasta, making sure to reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water. Trust me, that water is magic in a sauce.
Step 4: Sauté the Broccoli
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until they turn bright green and are crisp-tender.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and add the sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, and broccoli.
Stir well to combine, then pour in the lemon juice, zest, and pasta. If the mixture appears dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Toss everything together, ensuring each noodle is coated in the vibrant lemony goodness.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
To ensure your Lemon Chicken and Broccoli Pasta turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest make a world of difference. Bottled juices don’t quite cut it.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: You want it to remain crunchy. Overcooked broccoli gets mushy and loses its vibrant color.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid helps create a creamy sauce without added dairy.
- Marinate the Chicken (if time permits): A quick marination with lemon juice and garlic can deepen the flavor.
- Let the Chicken Rest: This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier slices.
Calories: 525kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 28gFat: 27.6gSaturated Fat: 5.3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 76mgFiber: 8gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 18IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 20mg
Keyword Lemon Chicken And Broccoli Pasta