Return to the Kitchen is a participant in the Amazon Affiliates Program. This post may contain affiliate links for which we may earn a profit if a purchase is made at no additional cost to you.
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!
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.
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.
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.
For a behind the scenes look at Return to the Kitchen, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest! Also, if you make this recipe or any of our recipes be sure to tag us @returntothekitchen!
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.
Kid Approved Citrus Chicken Pasta
Chicken, pasta and broccoli with a citrus kick!
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)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium/ large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken, garlic salt and pepper and cook until chicken is cooked through.
- Add zest from oranges and lemon and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
- While chicken is cooking, cook pasta according to package. Add broccoli to the pot with the pasta to cook.
- When pasta and broccoli are cooked, drain and return to pot.
- Add chicken, orange juice and lemon juice to pasta. Stir to combine.
- Serve with Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Notes
Add salad and rolls for a perfect family dinner.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 462Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 388mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 3gSugar: 9gProtein: 33g
This post was originally published January 31, 2019 and was updated December 16, 2020.
Sara
Monday 11th of March 2019
Made this tonight and it was SO yummy! And the best part...easy!!