Description
A delightful blend of creamy butter, zesty lemon, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta with seasoned chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, gently toss in the broccoli florets for a quick steam. Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of that precious pasta water. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet heated over medium-high heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Season your chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate.
- Craft the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt in the butter. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring It All Together: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together, gradually incorporating the reserved pasta water until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Finish with Flavor: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with the freshly chopped parsley and chives. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top if desired.
Notes
This dish is versatile; swap out broccoli for seasonal veggies or adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, creamy pasta, butter sauce, lemon, Cajun seasoning, bowtie pasta