The Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 40 minutes, delivering bright lemon‑butter sauce, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli in every bite. I love how the sauce clings to the pasta, creating a silky coating that's both tangy and buttery. This dish uses pantry staples you probably already have, making it perfect for a quick, budget‑friendly dinner. Pair it with my Crispy Basil Chicken Cutlets with Garlic and Parmesan for a protein‑packed feast. Ready to dive in?
★★★★½ 4.5 (85 reviews)
Why You'll Love Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe – Quick, Creamy Weeknight Dinner
Discover the Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe – a quick, creamy, and family‑friendly weeknight dinner ready in 40 minutes. Perfect for busy nights!
- Bright, buttery lemon flavor that lifts the whole dish
- One‑pan cooking saves time and cleanup
- Family‑friendly and kid‑approved
- Uses pantry staples like pasta, chicken, and butter
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Use thighs for juicier meat; trim excess fat
- Pasta: Whole‑wheat or gluten‑free works fine; adjust cooking time accordingly
- Broccoli: Fresh gives best crunch, but frozen works in a pinch
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 1‑2 minutes less than package directions; it will finish cooking in the sauce. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
Step 2 – Sauté chicken and broccoli: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium‑high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, and cook until golden, about 5‑6 minutes. Add broccoli and cook another 3‑4 minutes until bright green and just tender.
Step 3 – Build the lemon‑butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Push chicken and broccoli to the side, add butter and minced garlic; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and red‑pepper flakes. Let simmer 2 minutes, scraping any browned bits.
Expert Tips for Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe – Quick, Creamy Weeknight Dinner
- Finish the sauce with a splash of pasta water for extra silkiness.
- Pat dry the chicken before cooking for better browning.
- Grate lemon zest over the finished dish for an extra burst of aroma.
Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe – Quick, Creamy Weeknight Dinner
Discover the Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe – a quick, creamy, and family‑friendly weeknight dinner ready in 40 minutes. Perfect for busy nights!
★★★★½ 4.5 (85 reviews)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) dried penne or rotini pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite‑size pieces
- 2 cups (180 g) broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) low‑sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/2 cup (45 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Fresh lemon zest
Instructions
How to Make Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe
- Step 1 – Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 1‑2 minutes less than package directions; it will finish cooking in the sauce. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Step 2 – Sauté chicken and broccoli: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium‑high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, and cook until golden, about 5‑6 minutes. Add broccoli and cook another 3‑4 minutes until bright green and just tender.
- Step 3 – Build the lemon‑butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Push chicken and broccoli to the side, add butter and minced garlic; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and red‑pepper flakes. Let simmer 2 minutes, scraping any browned bits.
- Step 4 – Combine everything: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat. If sauce looks thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until silky. Stir in Parmesan and parsley; season with extra salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately, topped with optional extra Parmesan and lemon zest.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Lemon Butter Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the sauce and cook the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge and combine with cooked pasta when ready to serve.
What’s the best substitute for fresh broccoli?
Frozen broccoli florets work perfectly; just add them directly to the skillet.
How do I store leftovers?
Transfer to an airtight container, refrigerate, and consume within 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth.
Why did my sauce turn out watery?
Make sure to reduce the broth and lemon juice for 2‑3 minutes before adding pasta, and use reserved pasta water sparingly.