{"id":34980,"date":"2023-08-27T17:53:42","date_gmt":"2023-08-27T21:53:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/?p=34980"},"modified":"2023-08-27T17:53:42","modified_gmt":"2023-08-27T21:53:42","slug":"lemon-chicken-pasta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/2023\/08\/27\/lemon-chicken-pasta\/","title":{"rendered":"Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f9a72b\"><strong>Lemon Chicken Pasta<\/strong> with Broccoli will be your new go-to dinner for those nights when you&#8217;re craving a mouthwatering pasta recipe but are short in time. It&#8217;s a great way to transform leftover chicken into a foodie-approved meal bursting with lemon flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/lemon-chicken-pasta-3.jpg\" alt=\"A dish of lemon chicken pasta on a marble countertop. \" class=\"wp-image-34987\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-70f3d7d2\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" height=\"1em\" width=\"1em\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M478.21 334.093L336 256l142.21-78.093c11.795-6.477 15.961-21.384 9.232-33.037l-19.48-33.741c-6.728-11.653-21.72-15.499-33.227-8.523L296 186.718l3.475-162.204C299.763 11.061 288.937 0 275.48 0h-38.96c-13.456 0-24.283 11.061-23.994 24.514L216 186.718 77.265 102.607c-11.506-6.976-26.499-3.13-33.227 8.523l-19.48 33.741c-6.728 11.653-2.562 26.56 9.233 33.037L176 256 33.79 334.093c-11.795 6.477-15.961 21.384-9.232 33.037l19.48 33.741c6.728 11.653 21.721 15.499 33.227 8.523L216 325.282l-3.475 162.204C212.237 500.939 223.064 512 236.52 512h38.961c13.456 0 24.283-11.061 23.995-24.514L296 325.282l138.735 84.111c11.506 6.976 26.499 3.13 33.227-8.523l19.48-33.741c6.728-11.653 2.563-26.559-9.232-33.036z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-text-color\" style=\"color:#0071a1\"><a>What you&#8217;ll love about this recipe:&nbsp;<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>8 Ingredients:<\/strong> With just eight ingredients, you&#8217;ll create a gourmet meal that&#8217;s easy on your wallet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reimagine your leftovers:<\/strong> This recipe transforms yesterday&#8217;s roast chicken (or a store0bought rotisserie chicken) into a brand new meal. You&#8217;ll barely recognize it!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vibrant lemon flavor:<\/strong> This pasta packs a punch with zesty lemon, succulent chicken, and fresh broccoli that&#8217;ll defy your taste buds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Transform Your Leftovers With This Gourmet Lemon Chicken Pasta Recipe<\/strong><\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Roast chicken is one of my favorite dinners, but I never like to eat it two times in a row. The second night always feels boring, plus the chicken tends to dry out overnight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;d much rather enjoy a traditional chicken dinner one night and then use the leftovers to create something completely new, like this simple but delicious pasta recipe loosely inspired by cacio e pepe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, as a busy foodie, I know how precious time can be. That&#8217;s why I&#8217;m passionate about ensuring we have quick, go-to recipes that don&#8217;t skimp on taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This chicken pasta is loaded with flavor from brown butter, lemon zest, and black pepper. Plus, broccoli adds a nutritious punch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So let&#8217;s dive into the recipe! Once you make it, you might find yourself looking for reasons to make a roast chicken just so you have leftovers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/lemon-chicken-pasta-1.jpg\" alt=\"Ingredients needed to make lemon chicken spaghetti. \" class=\"wp-image-34984\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ingredients\"><strong>Ingredients<\/strong> You&#8217;ll Need:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Butter: <\/strong>Browned butter forms the base layer for your sauce, ensuring a silky smooth texture and giving the pasta and rich, nutty flavor. I always cook with unsalted butter and add my own kosher salt or sea salt to taste. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lemon Juice and Zest:<\/strong> Fresh lemon zest and juice gives this pasta a wallop of bright, tangy flavor. Use a fresh lemon for the best results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cooked Chicken: <\/strong>A time-saving and flavorful addition, the chicken adds protein and flavor. I love making this recipe with leftover roast chicken (especially this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthy-delicious.com\/wine-can-chicken\/\">grilled wine can chicken<\/a>!), but you can saut\u00e9 a diced boneless skinless chicken breast, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken, or use pre-cooked chicken like <a href=\"https:\/\/applegate.com\/products\/natural-grilled-chicken-breast-strips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Applegate grilled chicken strips<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Frozen Broccoli:<\/strong> Nothing beats the convenience of frozen vegetables! I love how broccoli soaks up with lemony flavor from the sauce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Grated Parmesan Cheese:<\/strong> Gives a tangy bite and creamy finish to the lemony pasta sauce. Always grate your own cheese for the best flavor! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spaghetti<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kosher Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/lemon-chicken-pasta-3-2.jpg\" alt=\"Adding lemon zest to the sauce. \" class=\"wp-image-34986\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/lemon-chicken-pasta-6-2.jpg\" alt=\"Adding cooked spaghetti to the pan. \" class=\"wp-image-34991\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/lemon-chicken-pasta-2-2.jpg\" alt=\"Adding the leftover cooked chicken to this pasta recipe. \" class=\"wp-image-34985\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/lemon-chicken-pasta-5-2.jpg\" alt=\"Finishing the lemon pasta off with grated cheese. \" class=\"wp-image-34989\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to make lemon chicken pasta<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cook <\/strong>the pasta.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Brown<\/strong> the butter, then use it to create a flavorful sauce with black pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Add <\/strong>the chicken and broccoli and cook until just warmed through.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stir <\/strong>in the spaghetti and cheese.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-2493cfd4\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xml:space=\"preserve\" viewBox=\"0 0 100 100\" y=\"0px\" x=\"0px\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M23.6,5c-1.2,0-2.3,1.1-2.3,2.4v85.3c0,2,2.6,3.1,4.1,1.7L50,69.7l24.6,24.6c1.5,1.5,4.1,0.3,4.1-1.6V7.4  c0-1.3-1.1-2.4-2.4-2.4H23.6z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-headline-text\">Busy Foodie Tips<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>For the best lemon zest <\/strong>use a microplane grater and zest the whole lemon before slicing and juicing. Position the grater on top of the lemon and move it back and forth across the lemon to collect the zest on top &#8211; this makes much less of a mess than putting the lemon over the grater. If you use lemons often, make it a habit to zest them before cutting into them &#8211; lemon zest freezes well and it a great ingredient to have on hand! <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For an even faster, one-pot version of this recipe<\/strong>, use fresh pasta and follow the method in my <a href=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/cacio-e-pepe-recipe\">one pot cacio e pepe<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avoid dried out chicken <\/strong>&#8212; be sure not to overcook it as it can become tough. As you&#8217;re working with cooked chicken, your goal is just to heat it through.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For added crunch,<\/strong> try topping your pasta with breadcrumbs tossed in olive oil and lightly toasted in a hot skillet. It adds a super fun textural contrast!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/lemon-chicken-pasta-1-4.jpg\" alt=\"Close up overhead view of lemon chicken pasta with broccoli. \" class=\"wp-image-34983\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faqs\"><strong>Frequently asked questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1632692599561\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong><strong>Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, but it will need to cook longer. If using fresh broccoli in this lemon chicken pasta, I suggest adding it to the pasta pot about 4 minutes before the pasta is done. That way the broccoli has time to properly soften.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1632695442839\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I store leftovers?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Leftovers keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Since the chicken has already been heated twice, reheat it just enough to loosen the sauce and take the chill off. Trust me, it&#8217;s delicious!<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1632695603958\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I use a different kind of pasta?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes! I used spaghetti because i was inspired by cacio e pepe, but this can be made with any pasta shape you want. Try anything from shells to orzo to bowties!<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1655327228723\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I use bottled lemon juice?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, but fresh lemon juice has a crisper flavor with less acidity. Plus this chicken pasta just isn&#8217;t the same if you skip the lemon zest.\u00a0if you do choose to use bottled lemon juice, I recommend using lemon pepper seasoning instead of plain cracked pepper. <\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1693171612007\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">I don&#8217;t like broccoli. Can I use something else?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Try frozen peas, baby spinach or fresh cherry tomatoes.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1693171629990\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I use a different kind of cheese?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Sure, try grated Pecorino Romano cheese or Asiago cheese.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>More easy pasta recipes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/one-pot-creamy-pesto-pasta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/lemon-ricotta-pasta\">One Pot Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/roasted-garlic-pasta\">Roasted Garlic Pasta with Asparagus<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/sausage-and-eggplant-pasta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sausage and Eggplant One Pot Pasta<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/sausage-and-broccoli-one-pot-pasta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">One Pot Sausage and Broccoli Pasta<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/baked-feta-pasta\">Baked Feta Pasta<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/one-pot-spaghetti-and-meat-sauce\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/lemon-chicken-pasta-7-copy.jpg\" alt=\"Lemon spaghetti with chicken and broccoli tablescape. \" class=\"wp-image-34993\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A great way to transform leftover chicken into a foodie-approved meal bursting with lemon flavor!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":34983,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[33,36,27],"tags":[41],"class_list":["post-34980","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dinner-recipes","category-meal-prep","category-stovetop-recipes","tag-30-minute-meal"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34980","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34980"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34980\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34980"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34980"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34980"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}