If you’re looking for a delicious weeknight dinner that combines rich flavors and healthy ingredients, Honey Dijon Chicken with Lemon Butter Broccoli Pasta is the perfect choice. This dish brings together tender chicken coated in a savory honey mustard sauce and bright, tangy lemon butter broccoli pasta for a meal that feels special yet is easy enough for any evening.
I’ve experimented with various chicken recipes, and this combination stands out for its simplicity and flavor. The zesty lemon and sweet honey create a perfect balance, while the broccoli adds essential nutrients and color to your plate.
You’ll love how quickly it all comes together, making it an ideal option when time is tight but you still want to impress.
When you serve this dish, you’ll notice the smiles at the dinner table as everyone enjoys the juicy chicken and the luscious pasta. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings everyone together.
Why You Will Love Honey Dijon Chicken With Lemon Butter Broccoli Pasta
Honey Dijon Chicken with Lemon Butter Broccoli Pasta is a dish that combines great flavors and healthy ingredients. You will find it appealing for many reasons.
Flavorful Combination
The blend of honey and Dijon mustard creates a tangy yet sweet sauce that perfectly complements the chicken. The lemon adds a bright, zesty flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
Healthy Ingredients
This dish includes chicken and broccoli, both known for being nutritious. Chicken provides protein, while broccoli adds vitamins and minerals to your meal.
Quick and Easy
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is simple to make. You can prepare it in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Versatile Pasta
Using pasta like linguine or penne makes the dish hearty and satisfying. You can choose your favorite type of pasta to suit your taste.
Light and Fresh
The lemon flavor adds a light touch, balancing the richness of the honey Dijon sauce. It makes the meal feel fresh and vibrant.
Appealing Presentation
The colorful broccoli against the pasta with chicken creates a visually pleasing plate. It can impress your family or guests effortlessly.
How To Make Honey Dijon Chicken With Lemon Butter Broccoli Pasta
To create Honey Dijon Chicken with Lemon Butter Broccoli Pasta, you’ll need a mix of fresh ingredients and tasty seasonings. This dish combines tender chicken with a zesty lemon butter sauce, broccoli, and pasta for a satisfying meal. Follow these steps for the perfect dinner.
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need:
- Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin slices
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pasta and Broccoli:
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or short pasta)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Lemon zest from one lemon
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Instruments
Gather the following tools for cooking:
- Cooking Tools:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or frying pan for chicken
- Mixing bowl for sauce preparation
- Whisk for mixing ingredients
- Measuring Tools:
- Measuring spoons for accurate portions
- Cutting board for slicing chicken and vegetables
- Knife for chopping garlic and parsley
- Serving Tools:
- Serving plate or bowl for pasta
- Tongs or spatula for handling cooked chicken and pasta
Step By Step Instruction
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente.
- In the last 3 minutes, add the broccoli florets.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the chicken slices with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Mix well, then pour this mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
- Combine Everything:
- Drain the pasta and broccoli, then add them to the skillet.
- Stir in lemon zest and butter until well coated.
- Serve:
- Plate the pasta and chicken mixture, garnishing with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Add lemon slices if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Prep Time: Gather all your ingredients before you start. This helps everything go smoothly. Prep time takes about 15 minutes.
- Cook Time: Cooking the chicken and pasta usually takes around 20 minutes. Keep an eye on both to avoid overcooking.
- Total Time: From start to finish, you can expect the dish to be ready in about 35 minutes.
- Recipe Variations: You can add other veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Feel free to replace chicken with leftover cooked chicken for a quicker meal.
- Leftovers: Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
- Easy Recipe: This recipe is beginner-friendly. It’s simple enough for anyone to make, so don’t worry if you’re new to cooking.
- Cooking Time Tips: To save time, cook the pasta while you sauté the chicken. This multitasking method cuts down on overall cooking time.
- Using Cooked Chicken: If you have leftover chicken, simply heat it in the sauce for a few minutes. This way, you save time and still enjoy a delicious meal.
Ingredient Substitute
When making Honey Dijon Chicken with Lemon Butter Broccoli Pasta, you can easily swap out some ingredients for alternatives. Here are some options:
- Heavy Cream: Use half and half if you want a lighter texture. It can provide creaminess without being too rich.
- White Wine: If you don’t have white wine, try using chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice. This adds flavor without altering the overall taste.
- Creamy Lemon Sauce: You can make a sauce using sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and zest for a tangy alternative.
- Frozen Broccoli: Fresh broccoli can be substituted with frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the dish.
Make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly when using these substitutes.
What To Serve With Honey Dijon Chicken With Lemon Butter Broccoli Pasta
When serving Honey Dijon Chicken with Lemon Butter Broccoli Pasta, choose sides that complement the flavors and textures of the dish.
1. Asparagus
Roasted or steamed asparagus adds a nice crunch. The slightly earthy taste pairs well with the tanginess of the chicken.
2. Cherry Tomatoes
Fresh cherry tomatoes bring a burst of color and sweetness. You can serve them sliced and seasoned, or toss them in a light salad.
3. Baby Spinach
Sautéed baby spinach is a healthy option. It adds a mild flavor and brightens up your plate.
4. Garlic Bread
Crispy garlic bread is always a favorite. It’s perfect for soaking up any sauce or leftover lemon butter.
5. Additional Options
Consider light salads or a quinoa dish for extra nutrition. A simple mix of lemon juice and herbs can enhance the freshness of your meal.
Nutrition Fact In List Form
Here is the nutrition information for Honey Dijon Chicken with Lemon Butter Broccoli Pasta:
- Calories: Approximately 436 calories per serving.
- Protein: About 29% of your Daily Value.
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 58% of your Daily Value.
- Fat: Contains 15% of your Daily Value, with 21% being saturated fat.
- Cholesterol: Approximately 89 mg, which is 30% of your Daily Value.
- Sodium: Contains around 25% of your Daily Value.
- Fiber: About 21% of your Daily Value.
- Vitamin A: Provides 100% of your Daily Value.
Breakdown of Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: Lean protein source with minimal fat.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and calories.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides flavor with low calories.
- Lemon Juice: Adds freshness and vitamin C.
- Broccoli: High in vitamins and fiber.
This dish combines flavors while providing essential nutrients. Remember to adjust portion sizes based on your dietary needs.
Honey Dijon Chicken with Lemon Butter Broccoli Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or Frying Pan (for cooking chicken)
- Mixing Bowl (for sauce preparation)
- Whisk (for mixing ingredients)
- Measuring Tools (for accurate portions)
- Cutting Board and Knife (for slicing chicken, vegetables, and herbs)
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin slices)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- For the Pasta & Broccoli:
- 8 oz pasta spaghetti or short pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Lemon zest from 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta until al dente, adding broccoli in the last 3 minutes. Drain.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Mix well, then pour over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
- Combine Pasta & Chicken:
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Stir in lemon zest and butter until everything is well coated.
- Serve:
- Plate the pasta and chicken mixture, garnishing with parsley and optional grated Parmesan. Add lemon slices for extra freshness.
Notes
- Calories: 436
- Protein: 29% of Daily Value
- Carbohydrates: 58% of Daily Value
- Fat: 15% of Daily Value (21% saturated fat)
- Cholesterol: 30% of Daily Value (89 mg)
- Sodium: 25% of Daily Value
- Fiber: 21% of Daily Value
- Vitamin A: 100% of Daily Value
