Description
A delightful blend of creamy butter sauce, tangy lemon, and fresh herbs, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
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 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
- 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 (to adjust sauce consistency)
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Lower the heat and add the butter to the skillet with the chicken. Once melted, stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and broccoli are coated in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, and chives. Mix until evenly combined.
Notes
Serve warm topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken, pasta, broccoli, creamy sauce, easy dinner