Chicken and Broccoli Rabe with Fusilli Pasta

Elevate your pasta night with this vibrant and comforting Chicken and Broccoli Rabe with Fusilli Pasta recipe! Featuring tender golden-browned chicken, blanched broccoli rabe with a slight bitter edge, and al dente fusilli coated in a zesty lemon-Parmesan sauce, this dish is a balanced symphony of flavors and textures. Red pepper flakes and garlic add warmth and depth, while the freshness of lemon zest and juice brightens every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner in just 45 minutes, this wholesome pasta dish brings Italian-inspired flavors to your table in a satisfying and nutritious way. Serve it hot with extra Parmesan for a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Fusilli pasta
• 1 lb Chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
• 1 bunch Broccoli rabe
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes
• 4 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Lemon zest
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 cup Water

Directions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the broccoli rabe. Trim the ends, rinse thoroughly, and blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and quickly plunge it into an ice bath to maintain its vibrant green color. Remove from the ice bath and chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3

Slice the chicken breast into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 4

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the chopped broccoli rabe to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, tossing occasionally. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.

Step 7

Add the drained fusilli pasta to the skillet along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add more pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper, if needed.

Step 9

Divide the pasta among serving plates and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1509.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3003.9

Total Fat 110.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 480.8mg	0%
Sodium 4614.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 264.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.1g	0%
Total Sugars 9.7g
Protein 236.1g	0%

Vitamin D 59.0IU	0%
Calcium 1746.2mg	0%
Iron 13.5mg	0%
Potassium 2401.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.2%

Protein: 31.5%

Carbs: 35.3%