One-skillet lemony, creamy comfort
If you love easy weeknight dinners that feel bright and cozy at the same time, this Skillet Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is your new go-to. It’s a true one-pan pasta that cooks start-to-finish in about 30 minutes juicy chicken, tender penne, and broccoli florets all wrapped in a silky lemon-parmesan sauce. The best part? It tastes creamy and comforting without needing heavy cream. That fresh lemon zest + juice combo makes every bite pop, and the broccoli keeps it colorful, wholesome, and satisfying. Perfect for busy nights when you still want something “gold-star worthy” on the table.
- Prep: 15 mins
- Cook: 20 mins
- Total: 35 mins
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 2 ½ cups water
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Zest of 2 lemons (about 1 tbsp)
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- 12 oz penne pasta (see tips for brands)
- 2–3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Kitchen Tools
- Large 12-inch nonstick skillet with lid
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Small bowl + whisk (for slurry)
- Tongs or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep: Pat the chicken dry, then season generously with salt and pepper. While the skillet heats, zest and juice the lemons so it’s ready to go
- Sauté: Heat (olive oil) in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook, stirring often, until browned and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate, leaving as much flavor in the skillet as possible
- Build the pasta base: Add a tiny extra drizzle of oil only if needed. Stir in garlic and basil for ~30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown). Pour in water, broth, lemon juice, and add the penne. Stir well.
- Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally so pasta doesn’t stick. You should still see a little liquid in the skillet that’s perfect.
- Broccoli steam: Add broccoli and lemon zest. Cover and cook 2–3 minutes until broccoli turns bright green and tender-crisp.
- Make it creamy: Whisk milk + cornstarch until smooth. Uncover the skillet and stir in the milk mixture, Parmesan, and the reserved chicken. Simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened
- Finish: Taste and season again with salt and pepper (this step matters!). Serve hot with extra Parmesan if you like.
Pro Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Subs: Swap penne for rotini or shells (similar cook time). Add spinach at the end for extra greens. Use pecorino for a sharper cheese.
- Meal Prep: Cube chicken and chop broccoli ahead of time. Zest/juice lemons in advance and refrigerate for faster assembly.
- Serving: Pair with cheesy garlic bread or soft breadsticks, plus a crisp green salad and fresh fruit for an easy “complete” dinner.
Main Body
This recipe works because it layers flavor in the same skillet without creating extra dishes. Browning the chicken first builds a savory base (those little browned bits are pure magic), then the garlic and basil wake everything up before the pasta even goes in. The result tastes like something you’d order at a cozy restaurant, but it’s designed for real life busy evenings, hungry families, and a sink you don’t want to fill with pans.
The key technique is cooking the pasta directly in broth and water, which makes the starch work in your favor. As the penne simmers, it releases just enough starch to help create a silky sauce later. The most common mistake is cooking at a rolling boil and walking away keep it at a gentle simmer and stir now and then so the pasta doesn’t stick or cook unevenly. If your pasta brand is thicker and needs more time, simply add a splash more liquid as it cooks.
Lemon is the secret “brightener” here. Using both zest and juice gives you that fresh, sunny flavor without making the dish taste sour. The zest carries fragrant oils that feel almost floral, while the juice adds tang that cuts through the creamy parmesan finish. Together, they make the sauce taste light and refreshing even though it’s still comforting and cheesy.
Broccoli is a perfect partner because it soaks up the lemony sauce and adds a crisp-tender texture that keeps every bite interesting. To keep it vibrant, you steam it briefly right in the skillet near the end just enough time to turn bright green and soften without getting mushy. This step also keeps the recipe fast and “one-skillet true,” which is exactly what makes it so Pinterest-friendly for weeknight cooking.
For make-ahead ease, you can prep the components (chicken, broccoli, lemon) in advance, then cook everything fresh in one go. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a small splash of broth or milk. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use a touch more cornstarch or let the pasta sit off-heat, covered, for 5–10 minutes before serving sauces naturally tighten as they rest.
Variation Recipes
- Extra Lemon Pepper Version: Add ½ tsp lemon pepper seasoning with the basil, and finish with an extra squeeze of lemon right before serving for a bold, zesty pop.
- Cheesy Mozzarella Twist: Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella with the Parmesan for a creamier, slightly stretchy finish (great for picky eaters).
- Veggie-Boost Skillet: Add sliced mushrooms with the garlic and toss in a handful of baby spinach at the end more color, more texture, same easy flow.
Conclusion
This Skillet Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli is proof that fast dinners can still feel special bright lemon, cozy Parmesan, tender chicken, and broccoli all in one pan. Save it for your next busy night, and don’t forget to make it your own with the easy variations. If you try it, pin it, share it, and enjoy that little “I nailed dinner again” moment.
Nutrition (Estimated)
| Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 439 | 38g | 50g | 9g | 3g | 4g |
Disclaimer: Estimates vary by ingredients and tools.