This Lemon Pepper Chicken Spaghetti with Broccoli & Parmesan is a bright, savory pasta dinner made with juicy chicken, tender broccoli, fresh lemon, garlic, Parmesan, and plenty of cracked black pepper.
The spaghetti is tossed in a light lemon-garlic sauce that coats the noodles without making the dish heavy, while Parmesan adds a salty, savory finish.
It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, quick family dinners, or whenever you want an easy chicken pasta with fresh flavor.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It comes together in about 30 minutes.
- Fresh lemon keeps the pasta bright and flavorful.
- Chicken adds satisfying protein.
- Broccoli adds color and texture.
- Parmesan creates a savory finish without requiring a heavy cream sauce.
- Everything uses simple everyday ingredients.
- It works well for both family dinners and meal prep.
- The recipe can easily be adjusted with extra vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
For the Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large lemon
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- ½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional Garnishes
- Extra Parmesan
- Fresh lemon zest
- Lemon wedges
- Extra cracked black pepper
- Fresh parsley
🍳 Step-by-Step Masterclass Instructions
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Cut into bite-size pieces or thin strips.
Season with:
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt
Toss until evenly coated.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta Water
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente according to package directions.
Do not drain yet.
Step 3: Add the Broccoli
During the final 2–3 minutes of the spaghetti cooking time, add the broccoli florets directly to the pasta water.
This cooks the broccoli quickly while keeping it bright green.
Step 4: Reserve Pasta Water
Before draining, scoop out approximately ½ cup pasta water.
Drain the spaghetti and broccoli.
Set aside.
Masterclass Tip: The starchy pasta water helps the Parmesan and lemon mixture cling smoothly to the noodles.
Step 5: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Step 6: Lower the Heat
Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low.
Add the remaining olive oil.
Step 7: Add the Garlic
Add the minced garlic.
Cook for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
The garlic should become fragrant without browning heavily.
Step 8: Add Lemon
Zest the lemon directly over the skillet.
Then add approximately 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
Stir gently.
Step 9: Return the Pasta
Add the drained spaghetti and broccoli to the skillet.
Toss gently with tongs.
Step 10: Add the Parmesan
Sprinkle in the Parmesan gradually while tossing the pasta.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Continue tossing until the cheese melts into a light, glossy coating.
Masterclass Tip: Add Parmesan over moderate or low heat. Very high heat can cause the cheese to clump.
Step 11: Add the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Toss everything together until evenly distributed.
Step 12: Add Black Pepper
Add the freshly cracked black pepper and optional red pepper flakes.
Taste before adding extra salt because Parmesan and lemon pepper seasoning can already be salty.
Step 13: Adjust the Sauce
If the pasta looks dry, add another splash of reserved pasta water.
The finished noodles should look lightly glossy rather than swimming in sauce.
Step 14: Add Fresh Parsley
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Add chopped parsley and toss gently.
Step 15: Finish with Fresh Lemon
Taste the pasta.
Add another squeeze of lemon juice if you want a brighter citrus flavor.
Step 16: Serve
Divide among bowls.
Finish with extra Parmesan, fresh lemon zest, black pepper, and parsley.
Serve immediately.
The finished dish should have tender spaghetti, juicy lemon-pepper chicken, bright broccoli, salty Parmesan, fresh citrus, and a light garlic-pepper finish.
🔒 Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Best reheating method: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth.
Microwave: Add about a tablespoon of water before reheating, then stir halfway through so the pasta heats evenly.
Avoid overheating: Too much heat can dry out the chicken and make the Parmesan sauce less smooth.
Meal prep: Divide into individual containers once completely cooled.
Make ahead: Cut and season the chicken and broccoli up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate separately.
Freshness tip: Add a fresh squeeze of lemon and a little extra Parmesan after reheating to refresh the flavor.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for the best texture because broccoli can soften and the light Parmesan coating may become less smooth after thawing.
