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5.0 from 21 votes

20-Minute Lemony Orecchiette with Chicken and Broccoli

This delicious, simple Lemony Orecchiette Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli is my new go-to pasta recipe. It's light, refreshing and packed with protein to leave you feeling full and satisfied. A great 20-minute meal that is perfect for lunch, meal prep or dinner on a busy night.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 386 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 12 oz. broccoli florets
  • 6 oz. orecchiette or other short pasta
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil (15g)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lb. boneless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 lemon fully zested + juice of half
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (56g) any kind works! I used mozzarella

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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). 
  4. 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! 
  5. 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). 
  6. Sprinkle evenly with cheese, then divide amongst 4 bowls and enjoy! 

Nutrition Information

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%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 386

% 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.