Description
A zestful twist on dinner, combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant broccoli in a rich, buttery sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (for the sauce)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (for adjusting sauce consistency)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Just before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. Set it aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and keep it warm.
- Cook the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Incorporate the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly with the buttery sauce. Finish with fresh parsley, chives, and Parmesan cheese.
- Season: Adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
Notes
Serve hot topped with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Pairs well with a crisp salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken, pasta, broccoli, Cajun, butter sauce, quick dinner