Description
A vibrant and flavor-packed chicken dish that combines bowtie pasta, fresh broccoli, and zesty lemon in a buttery sauce for a sensational family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then set them aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re keen for a bit of spice. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest, allowing it to cook for another 1-2 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce evenly coats the pasta.
- Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with the chopped parsley and chives. Serve hot, topped with more Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Adjust seasonings to your taste preference, and feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
