Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 lb)

12 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta

1/2 cup unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 large shallot, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Season with black pepper while cooking.

Step 5: Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Leave any juices and butter in the skillet.

Step 6: Add the remaining butter, minced garlic, shallot, parsley, chives, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pan. Sauté and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.

Step 7: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and cooked pasta. Toss to combine and heat through.

Step 8: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the lemon butter sauce over the top to coat well.

Step 9: Serve the chicken and sauce alongside the blanched broccoli for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and smoked paprika for 30 minutes before cooking.

Swap farfalle for penne or rotini if you prefer a different pasta shape.

Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for richness.

If you like it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of crushed red chili flakes.

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure ingredients like paprika and spices are gluten-free certified.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay moist. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

How do I prevent the broccoli from overcooking?

Blanch the broccoli just until bright green and tender-crisp, about 2–3 minutes, then drain immediately. You can also plunge it into ice water after blanching to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant color and crunch.