If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With tender chicken pieces seasoned perfectly with zesty lemon pepper, vibrant broccoli florets, and a luscious creamy sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of penne, it’s comfort food elevated to something truly special. This recipe blends simple, wholesome ingredients into a harmonious dish that’s bursting with flavor and color, making dinner both satisfying and memorable. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe, it’ll become a staple you want to share with everyone you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a starring role, keeping things straightforward yet incredibly tasty and colorful. From the tang of lemon pepper to the creamy richness of half and half, these essentials together craft a delightful melody of flavors and textures.
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast: The perfect protein base, providing tender, juicy bites once cooked.
- Lemon pepper seasoning: A zesty blend that adds brightness and a touch of spice to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, giving it a golden crust and depth of flavor.
- ½ cup dry white wine: Adds a subtle acidity and sophistication to the sauce; opt for a good quality wine you’d enjoy sipping.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Builds richness and a silky texture in the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic: Offers aromatic warmth and a flavorful backbone to the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the sauce holds together beautifully.
- ¾ cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
- 1 ¼ cups half and half: Delivers indulgent creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: A gentle kick to give the sauce a touch of personality.
- 2 ½ cups broccoli florets: Bright green, fresh, and crunchy, adding great texture and nutrition.
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty, salty goodness that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- ¼ cup Asiago cheese: For a slightly different cheesy flavor; Parmesan can be used alone if preferred.
- ½ lb. Penne pasta: A sturdy pasta shape that holds the sauce well and combines nicely with the chicken and broccoli.
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a fresh burst of citrus that brightens the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings: A blend that adds herbal warmth and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder: Enhances the sauce’s depth with a subtle tang.
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want a hint of heat to balance the creaminess.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep Work
This step is all about setting yourself up for smooth sailing. Combine your seasoning ingredients like lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes if using, in a small bowl. Having your spices ready means you won’t be scrambling while cooking. Also, gather and measure the rest of your ingredients so everything is within reach. Trust me, this little bit of advance work makes the cooking process much more enjoyable.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Slice your chicken into ¾-inch chunks, then toss them generously in your lemon pepper seasoning blend. Heat olive oil over medium-high in a large skillet and sear the chicken pieces until they’re beautifully golden on each side, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and forms that irresistible crust. Once nicely browned, set the chicken aside to rest while you move on to the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare Pasta Water and Start Sauce
While the chicken is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook your penne pasta. Start your sauce in that same skillet you browned the chicken in by pouring in the dry white wine. Scrape the browned bits off the pan’s bottom with a silicone spatula; those bits are flavor gold! Let the wine reduce by half, which takes about 4 minutes, concentrating the flavors into a rich base for your sauce.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Once the wine has reduced, add butter and garlic to the pan and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and cook while stirring for 1 to 2 minutes—this creates a roux that thickens your sauce perfectly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and half and half in small splashes to prevent lumps. Stir in the hot sauce and your seasoning blend, bringing everything to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer and covering partially. This slow simmer melds all the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Cook Pasta and Broccoli Together
Cook your penne pasta according to the package until al dente. Add the broccoli florets into the boiling pasta water during the final 4 minutes so they get tender yet retain a pleasant crunch. Drain them together—this way, you save time and keep the broccoli bright and fresh in flavor and color.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Lower your sauce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan and Asiago cheeses slowly until melted and silky. Remove the sauce from heat and fold in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, adding a fresh, tangy layer that perfectly cuts through the creaminess. Then, toss in the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken. Stir gently but thoroughly to make sure each bite is coated with that rich, cheesy goodness. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To top off your dish, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or Asiago just before serving for an ooey-gooey finish. A few lemon zest curls or a tiny bit of finely chopped fresh parsley or basil will add a pop of color and freshness that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some warm garlic bread would work beautifully. Light, fresh sides balance the Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe perfectly without overwhelming its flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a wide, shallow bowl so everyone can scoop their favorite bits. For a bit of elegance, plate it individually, garnishing with microgreens or a lemon wedge on the side. You can even add a drizzle of good olive oil or a mild chili oil for an extra flavor boost that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe leftover (which is rare!), cover it well in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually marry even more after resting, making your next meal just as enjoyable.
Freezing
This pasta doesn’t freeze as well due to the cream sauce—it can separate when thawed. For best results, freeze the cooked chicken and broccoli separately and prepare fresh sauce and pasta when ready to enjoy. That way, you still get top-notch taste without any texture mishaps.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or half and half to refresh the sauce’s creaminess and prevent it from drying out. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the sauce silky and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Penne is recommended because it holds the sauce well, but rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will work wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.
What if I don’t have half and half?
You can substitute half and half with equal parts whole milk and heavy cream if that’s what you have on hand. This will keep the sauce rich and creamy without compromising flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the chicken and add more broccoli or other veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. You might also want to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for full vegetarian status.
Is the white wine necessary?
While white wine enhances the depth of flavor, you can substitute it with extra chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice if you prefer to avoid alcohol. The sauce will still taste delicious.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is very mild, mainly from the optional red pepper flakes and hot sauce, which can be adjusted or left out entirely. This recipe is family-friendly and can easily be spiced up to your personal taste!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but is simple enough for any night of the week. It delivers comforting creaminess, fresh citrus zing, and wholesome veggies all in one satisfying bite. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a new family favorite. Once you do, it will undoubtedly become a recipe you reach for again and again!
Print
Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta recipe is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a hearty weeknight meal. Tender chicken pieces seasoned with lemon pepper are cooked to perfection and combined with al dente penne pasta and fresh broccoli florets, all enveloped in a rich Parmesan and Asiago cheese sauce with a hint of lemon and spice. The sauce is made from a base of white wine, garlic, butter, and half and half, making the dish indulgent yet balanced. Quick to prepare and satisfying, it’s an ideal comfort food that brings vibrant flavors to your table in under an hour.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
- Lemon pepper seasoning (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup Asiago cheese, grated (or substitute with Parmesan)
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Pasta and Vegetables
- ½ lb. Penne pasta
- 2 ½ cups broccoli florets
Instructions
- Prep Work: Combine all the seasoning ingredients and set them aside. Measure out the remaining ingredients for a smooth cooking process.
- Cook the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into ¾-inch pieces and season generously with lemon pepper seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden brown crust forms. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Boil Pasta Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta and broccoli later.
- Deglaze and Reduce Wine: Using the same skillet, pour in the white wine over medium heat. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from cooking the chicken. Let the wine reduce by half, about 4 minutes, to concentrate the flavor.
- Start the Sauce: Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to form a roux.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in chicken broth in small splashes to avoid lumps, followed by the half and half. Mix in the hot sauce, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and partially cover.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the last 4 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta and broccoli together.
- Finish the Sauce: Lower the heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan and Asiago cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add the drained pasta, broccoli, and cooked chicken to the sauce. Toss gently to combine and coat everything evenly. Taste and season with salt if needed. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Dry white wine adds depth to the sauce; if you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with extra chicken broth or white grape juice.
- Using freshly grated cheese ensures the best melting and flavor.
- Adjust hot sauce and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Do not overcook broccoli; adding it to the pasta water during the last 4 minutes keeps it tender-crisp.
