20-Minute Lemony Orecchiette with Chicken and Broccoli
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
386 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
20-Minute Lemony Orecchiette with Chicken and Broccoli
Description
The recipe involves briefly boiling broccoli until just tender, then cooking orecchiette pasta until al dente. Chicken pieces sautéed with garlic are seasoned and combined with the broccoli. The cooked pasta is added directly to the skillet, along with lemon zest and juice, which provide a citrus brightness to the savory chicken and vegetable mix. A shredded cheese such as mozzarella is stirred in to add mild creaminess without overwhelming the fresh flavors.
This meal is balanced between protein, vegetables, and pasta, with a fresh lemon note tying the ingredients together. It suits a quick lunch or dinner and can be seasoned further to taste. Using pasta water in the pan helps bind the flavors and loosen the sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. broccoli florets
- 6 oz. orecchiette pasta or other short pasta
- 1 Tbsp olive oil 15g
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb. chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces, boneless
- 1 lemon fully zested + juice of half
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (56g) any kind works! I used mozzarella
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add broccoli and boil for 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the broccoli to a plate and set aside.
- Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water and add the orecchiette. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking together. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes or according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet. When warm, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add the chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken, stirring frequently, for 5-6 minutes or until no longer pink. Then, add the broccoli back to the skillet (cut into smaller pieces if you have any large florets).
- When the pasta is done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the pasta directly to the skillet with the chicken and broccoli. It’s okay if a little pasta water comes with it, we actually want that!
- Add lemon zest and lemon juice; toss everything around good. Taste and add salt, pepper, pasta water or lemon juice to taste. If pasta is too lemony, add extra pasta water. (I ended up adding 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes and a few spoons of pasta water).
- Sprinkle evenly with cheese, then divide amongst 4 bowls and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 386 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/4 of skillet (303g) | |
| Calories | 386kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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