Name: Kid Approved Citrus Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 pounds chicken, cut into bite-size pieces; 1 tsp garlic salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; Zest and juice of 2 oranges; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 12oz-1 lb pasta, any type; 1 head of broccoli, chopped into bite sized pieces; Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)

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This Kid Approved Citrus Chicken Pasta is a great weeknight meal and can be put together in about 30 minutes. It’s also makes for delicious leftovers to have for lunch the next day. The broccoli could be substituted for any other steamed green vegetable too depending on your (or your kids) personal preference!

Close up of kid approved citrus chicken pasta in a white bowl

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How to make Kid Approved Citrus Chicken Pasta

To start this dish, cook the chicken with the olive oil, garlic salt and pepper. While the chicken is cooking take the zest off of your oranges and lemon. Once the chicken is cook through add the zest and cook until fragrant- one to two minutes.

Chicken cooking in a sauté pan with lemon zest, orange zest and fruit juices.

In another pot, boil the water for your pasta and cook according to the package. We used tri color rotini, however any pasta can be used for this dish. When the pasta goes into the pot also add the broccoli. It will cook along with the pasta. Drain the pasta and broccoli once tender.

pasta and broccoli cooking in boiling water

Combine the pasta, chicken, and juices together. Toss to combine. Serve with parmesan cheese (optional) and enjoy!

Recipe modifications

To make this recipe gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta!
Don’t like broccoli? Try asparagus, peas, green beans or cauliflower instead.
Make this recipe vegan by leaving out the chicken. Just add the zest and fruit juice into the strained pasta and add garlic salt and pepper to taste.

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If you like this pasta recipes try our Easy Homemade Meat Sauce, Spinach Lasagna, Sausage Casserole or Lemon Chicken Orzo. For more delicious recipes try our Easy Homemade Pasta Carbonara, Chili Mac and Cheese, Broccoli Cheese Soup, Quinoa with Brussels Sprouts and Pomegranate, Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl, Bacon and Cheese Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Simple Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata, Healthy Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce, Simple Black Beans and Cheddar Cheese Grits with Black Beans.