Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, draped in a luxurious lemon cream sauce, studded with golden chicken and vibrant green broccoli – a dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience. This Italian-inspired Chicken Broccoli Pasta with Lemon Cream Sauce isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds, impress your family, and save you time in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through with no pink remaining.
- During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add broccoli florets directly to the boiling water to blanch them briefly, ensuring they remain bright green and crisp-tender.
- Drain pasta and broccoli together in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- In the same skillet used for chicken, reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add cooked chicken back into the cream sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta, broccoli, and chicken-cream sauce in the skillet. Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are well-coated and heated through.
- If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with extra lemon zest or freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Tips
- For the most tender chicken, cut pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking and golden browning.
- Reserve pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid is a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Don't overcook the broccoli; blanching for just 2-3 minutes keeps it bright green and crisp-tender.
- Use fresh lemon for zesting and juicing to maximize flavor complexity.
- Cook pasta just to al dente, as it will continue to absorb sauce after combining.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and better sauce development.
- Season each component (pasta water, chicken, sauce) to build layers of flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and most luxurious consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 470kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 105mg
