You’ll want to marry all the flavors of this simple, quick weeknight meal of Gluten Free Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta. Warning: It’s slightly addicting.
I’m almost positive I need to go to a rehab facility for an attitude adjustment. Once I’m there it should be mandatory that I attend BBA classes; aka “Biggest Brats Anonymous”.
My parents at least got the first two letters of my name right, B-R, but they should have just finished it off with A-T instead of I-E-L-L-E. Really, the name change would suit me just perfectly, B-R-A-T…or at least that’s how I’ve been acting this past week.
Here’s the deal; I get a tad bit territorial when family comes to visit. Whether it is my own parents or my in-laws, as in this case, I tend to get slightly defensive in my own home. I like things a certain way, I enjoy following a schedule, I move around quickly from one activity to the next, I expect that my children follow the same rules that are always enforced, and I especially want free range over my own kitchen.
Is that too much to ask???!
Yes, yes it is. Because if you behave the way I do when visitors come to stay, you end up looking like a crabby old A$# with a long, sharp stick up your booty. Basically you come across as a moody snoot.
Maybe I’m over exaggerating, but I know for sure I at least acted bratty one night when my mother-in-law was simply trying to help Braelyn with her homework. You see, I wanted Braelyn to do her homework on her own, but she was exhausted and tired and wanting someone to give her all the answers. When my mother-in-law stepped in, I snapped and told her that Braelyn could do it on her own.
Yeah, I know. Beastly.
I mean, who gets mad at grandma for helping with homework??? That’s ridiculous and CRAZY!!! Yes, I have gone absolutely bonkers.
Maybe it’s the fact that over the past month we have been on vacation for a week, had visitors for another week, Ben went out of town for a week, and then we had another set of visitors for a week. Perhaps I’m just tired??? Sure, let’s justify my bad behavior on stress and lack of sleep.
Let me at least say that I did apologize the next morning for my unnecessary episode of anger and all was forgiven. Now I just need to try harder to be pleasant and release the CONTROL that I ever so desire. I may even need to draft a peace treaty to hold myself accountable for my actions. Hmmm…that might just be a good idea.
Although I may substitute food in the form of a peace treaty because good food makes everything better.
Actually, that reminds me, I need to send my mother-in-law the recipe for this Gluten Free Lemon Chicken and Broccoli Pasta that I made while they were here. My father-in-law LOVED it! He had 3 helpings and then requested it be put away so he wouldn’t be tempted to eat anymore.
Indeed, passing along this recipe will most definitely smooth over any remaining ill feelings and earn me some brownie points. You just can’t stay mad after cream and pasta. It’s impossible.
This pasta dish has so much goodness and flavor permeating from one pot that it becomes highly addictive. It’s NOT your ordinary cream pasta.
First, this pasta is made with lots of fresh veggies; onions, garlic, broccoli, and basil. Even being a pasta dish, this meal doesn’t feel heavy because of all the fresh flavors mixed in.
Next, I used white wine while sauteing the veggies. Cooking with wine is a must! I went through over 10 years of our marriage having never cooked with wine because frankly I didn’t know what to do with it. Well I’ll tell you what you do with it; pour it on everything you cook!!! Seriously, white and red wines add so much depth and flavor to cooking. I use them in almost every meal.
Lastly, cream. Yes, CREAM. This pasta is tossed in the most decadent lemony, garlicy cream sauce you ever did try. And besides all the lemony goodness, I also added a bit of kick with some crushed red pepper. Remember, I’m trying to train my kids’ taste buds to not be wimpy over here. Start out with just 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and work your way up from there, depending on your spice preference.
Wait, did I forget to mention the chicken??? Yes I did. How silly of me. Before you start cooking anything, you saute lemon pepper coated chicken tenders in olive oil for a robust, tangy flavor. Once you finish the pasta, dice up the cooked chicken and toss it into the finished dish. The chicken ends up being perfectly tender with a golden crust that pairs wonderfully with the al dente pasta and creamy sauce.
Making my mouth water!!!
Well, it’s getting late and it’s about time for me to draft up that peace treaty with this recipe enclosed. Everybody please pray for my long overdue attitude change. Much thanks!
What food would you make for somebody you offended?
- For the chicken:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 6-8 chicken breast tenders (1½ pounds)
- ¾ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the veggie mixture:
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ cup white wine, divided
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 cups chopped broccoli (bite sized pieces)
- salt and pepper to season
- For the sauce:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon salt
- Additional ingredients:
- juice of 1 lemon (2-3 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped basil
- 1 package gluten free rotini noodles, cooked and drained (12 oz.)*
- Heat pot of salted water to boiling for cooking pasta. While water is heating, season chicken on both sides with lemon pepper and salt. Set aside. Dice onion, chop broccoli, and mince garlic. Set aside.
- Heat ¼ cup olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan or cast iron skillet. Once oil is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles, add chicken tenders. Cook for 3 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Remove and set on a cutting board.
- At this point, add pasta to boiling water, making sure to stir every minute or so to prevent noodles from sticking together. Cook al dente (slightly firm, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions)
- Quickly add onion to the pan that had the chicken (there should still be oil left) and season with salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Add ¼ cup white wine and cook until wine had reduced.
- Add garlic and broccoli to onion mixture. Season again with salt and pepper. Stir to coat evenly. Add an additional ¼ cup of white wine and cook for 4-5 minutes until crisp tender, stirring occasionally. If pasta is now done, drain and pour into pan with broccoli. If pasta is not yet done, remove from heat.
- While broccoli is cooking, prepare sauce by whisking together cream, cornstarch, sugar, red chili flakes, and salt. Set aside.
- After adding pasta to broccoli mixture, pour sauce over all and stir. Cook over medium heat until slightly thickened.
- Cut chicken into bite sized pieces. Add chicken, chopped basil, and juice of 1 lemon to pot. Stir until well coated and evenly distributed. Season to taste with more salt or red chili flakes if desired. Add more lemon for tangier flavor.
- Serve immediately.
