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Lemon Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli

I wanted a fast and easy recipe for Sunday dinner because the eclipse was going to occur right about the time we usually eat dinner. However, I only took into account the timing of the full eclipse and forgot that it would start 20 minutes before that time and last for quite awhile afterwards. Family kept wandering in and out of the house as they took turns looking at the various stages of the eclipse, occasionally stopping in the kitchen for a bite of dinner. So I am lucky that I picked a recipe that tastes great whether served warm, at room temperature, or chilled!

One of the things I like most about Lemon Pasta is it meets a variety of dietary needs with one dish. It is low in calories and fat, it is dairy-free, use brown rice noodles and it is gluten-free, and if you leave out the chicken you have a tasty vegetarian dish. It also happens to be amazingly delicious, so you don’t feel like you are missing out on anything.

Lemon Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli

A touch of zesty lemon makes this dish an extra delight!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Servings - 6 servings

Ingredients 

  • 16 oz pasta
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 cup onions diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups cooked chicken diced (optional)
  • 4 cups broccoli cut into small florets
  • 2 cups carrots julienned
  • 1/3 cup vegetable broth
  • juice and zest of one lemon
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or 2 tablespoons dried
  • 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
  • While pasta is cooking, saute onions and garlic in olive oil until tender.
  • Add broccoli, carrots, chicken, lemon juice, vegetable broth, and spices and cook over a medium-high for 5 -7 minutes or until vegetables are fork tender.
  • Add vegetable mixture to pasta and toss.
  • Serve immediately, or at room temperature, or refrigerate it and serve it chilled.
    I served this with a fruit salad.