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Chicken Broccoli Pasta – Skinny Spatula Recipe
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Chicken Broccoli Pasta – Skinny Spatula Recipe

A nutritious and protein-packed meal featuring tender chicken breast, crisp broccoli florets, and whole wheat pasta tossed in a light, savory garlic and lemon reduction. This healthier alternative to creamy pasta dishes uses clean, whole ingredients to provide a balanced dinner that satisfies without the excess calories or heavy fats. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe prioritizes efficiency by using a combined cooking technique that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor depth.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: Healthy Fusion
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Chicken Breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 3 cups Broccoli Florets, freshly chopped
  • 8 oz Whole Wheat Pasta, Penne or Fusilli
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced finely
  • 0.5 cup Chicken Broth, low sodium
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil, extra virgin
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Brown chicken cubes until fully cooked and golden, then remove from the pan.
  3. Boil a large pot of water and cook pasta according to package directions.
  4. Add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water during the final three minutes of cooking.
  5. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 0.5 cup of the starchy cooking water.
  6. Sauté minced garlic in the same skillet until fragrant.
  7. Deglaze the skillet using the chicken broth and lemon juice.
  8. Combine the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli into the skillet.
  9. Toss everything together with the reserved cooking water to create a light sauce and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure you do not overcook the broccoli; it should remain vibrant green.
You can add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
This dish is naturally alcohol-free and does not contain pork products.