Looking for a meal that’s not only bursting with flavor but also nutritious and easy to make? Look no further than this Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli recipe! A vibrant combination of tender chicken, whole wheat pasta, and fresh broccoli in a light olive oil and lemony sauce, this dish has everything you need to satisfy your taste buds without compromising on health.
Whether you’re making dinner for the family or preparing a quick weeknight meal, this dish is versatile, delicious, and ready in just 30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a protein-packed meal with a burst of citrusy freshness. And the best part? It’s a one-pan recipe, making cleanup a breeze!
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the steps of making this flavorful Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, why it’s so healthy, how you can customize it, and why it’s the perfect meal for busy days. By the end of this guide, you’ll not only know how to make the dish but also how to add your unique twist to it while ensuring it’s as healthy and satisfying as possible. Ready? Let’s begin!
Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
To make Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces of whole wheat pasta
Whole wheat pasta is a great choice for adding fiber and nutrients to your meal. It’s a healthier option than traditional white pasta and helps keep you full for longer. - 5 tablespoons of light olive oil, divided
Light olive oil is ideal for sautéing as it has a high smoke point, making it perfect for cooking at higher temperatures without losing its flavor or nutrients. - 3 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 18 ounces)
Chicken breasts are lean and packed with protein. They’re an excellent choice for a healthy meal, providing the necessary protein your body needs for muscle repair and growth. - 1 tablespoon of lemon pepper seasoning
Lemon pepper adds a tangy zest to the chicken while enhancing the overall citrusy theme of the dish. You can use store-bought lemon pepper seasoning or make your own using lemon zest, cracked black pepper, and salt. - 4 cloves of garlic, minced
Garlic is a powerful ingredient that adds depth of flavor to any dish. It complements the chicken and broccoli perfectly, adding a savory taste that balances the tanginess of the lemon. - 3 cups of small broccoli florets
Broccoli not only adds a pop of color but also provides numerous health benefits. It’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to any meal. - 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
Fresh lemon juice is the key to making this dish bright and refreshing. It adds a citrusy tang that lifts the flavors of the chicken and pasta, making every bite burst with freshness. - 2 teaspoons of fresh grated lemon zest
Lemon zest enhances the citrus flavor of the dish. It gives the pasta a fragrant, zesty aroma that will make your kitchen smell amazing! - Parmesan cheese, for garnish
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, salty finish to the dish. It’s the perfect topping to enhance the flavors without overwhelming them.
Step-by-Step Directions for Making Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps of preparing this delicious Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions. You want it to be cooked al dente (slightly firm to the bite), as it will continue to absorb the sauce once combined with the other ingredients. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together. Set it aside while you prepare the chicken and broccoli.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1/2-inch cubes. This allows for even cooking and helps the chicken absorb all the flavors. Next, season the chicken with lemon pepper seasoning. This seasoning not only gives the chicken a flavorful kick but also ties in beautifully with the fresh lemon juice and zest that you’ll be adding later.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. The chicken should be opaque and mostly cooked through by this point. Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. You’ll be adding it back to the pan later.
Step 4: Add the Garlic
In the same skillet, raise the heat to high and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 3-4 minutes until it becomes fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn it! This step infuses the oil with a savory garlic flavor that will be absorbed by the chicken and pasta.
Step 5: Cook the Broccoli
Now it’s time to cook the broccoli. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, just until they’re crisp-tender. You want the broccoli to retain a bit of its crunch while still absorbing the flavors from the oil and garlic. It should be bright green and slightly charred for extra flavor.
Step 6: Combine the Ingredients
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss everything together until well combined. The pasta will soak up the light olive oil and lemony goodness, creating a deliciously tangy and savory dish. The chicken and broccoli will complement the pasta perfectly, making every bite satisfying and delicious.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Now it’s time to plate your Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli! Garnish the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy, salty finish. The cheese will melt slightly into the warm pasta, adding even more richness to the flavor. Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
This Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli recipe serves 4 people. Each serving contains approximately 530 calories. With a balanced mix of protein from the chicken, fiber from the whole wheat pasta and broccoli, and healthy fats from the olive oil, this dish makes for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Why Choose This Recipe? The Health Benefits
This Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is more than just a delicious meal — it’s packed with nutrients that contribute to your overall well-being.
- Whole wheat pasta is a great source of fiber, helping to support healthy digestion and keep you feeling full for longer.
- Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Broccoli is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for boosting your immune system and promoting overall health.
- Olive oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that help reduce inflammation and support a healthy cardiovascular system.
- Lemon adds a refreshing tang and is a great source of vitamin C, which supports your immune system and skin health.
With all these healthy ingredients, this dish provides a balanced and nutritious meal that satisfies your hunger while keeping you energized throughout the day.
Customizing Your Lemon Chicken Pasta
While this Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is fantastic as is, feel free to experiment and add your own twist to the recipe!
- Add more veggies: You can incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added texture and nutrients.
- Switch up the protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken, try using shrimp, turkey breast, or even tofu for a plant-based version.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. This will give the dish an extra kick, balancing out the tangy lemon flavor.
- Swap the pasta: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, substitute the whole wheat pasta with gluten-free pasta options like rice pasta or quinoa pasta.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is a vibrant, healthy, and absolutely delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. It combines lean protein, fiber-rich pasta, and antioxidant-packed broccoli, all coated in a fresh, zesty lemon sauce that ties everything together. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it to suit your tastes, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!