Description
A flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender bowtie pasta and succulent chicken pieces tossed in a zesty lemon butter sauce with fresh broccoli and Cajun-seasoned spices, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a comforting, yet vibrant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Seasoning and Sauce
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Cooking Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (for the sauce)
Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce consistency)
Instructions
- Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, tossing to coat evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in chopped parsley and chives, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the lemon butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined with all ingredients.
- Serve: Plate the dish warm, topping with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a final squeeze of lemon juice to enhance brightness.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, increase the amount of butter and Parmesan cheese.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences or for a healthier option.
- Toss the ingredients quickly after adding to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
