Description
This quick and healthy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a creamy, lemon herb-infused meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with protein, greens, and flavor, it’s ideal for beginner cooks looking for easy sheet pan dinners and wholesome comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add the Garlic and Broccoli: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add the broccoli florets, tossing to coat. Add a splash of water and cover the pan to let the broccoli steam for about 3 to 4 minutes, until tender and bright green.
- Create the Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the pan, tossing everything to combine.
- Finish the Dish: Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and let everything warm through for another minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, swap the cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative.
- If you prefer a more citrus-forward flavor, double the lemon juice and zest.
- You can also add cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for extra variety.
- Make sure your chicken is cooked thoroughly—it should be white inside with clear juices and reach 165°F internally.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg