Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

1 tsp Cajun seasoning

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

6 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

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

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

2 cups broccoli florets

1/2 cup reserved pasta water

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli and set aside.

Step 2: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in chopped parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything to coat well in the lemon butter sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.

Step 5: Serve the dish warm, topped with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and an additional squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.

Swap bowtie pasta for penne or rotini if you prefer a different shape that holds the sauce well.

Add sliced mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for more vegetables and color.

Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the best bright flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as a juicier option. Adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is there a substitute for Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can create a simple mix with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and thyme. Adjust to your taste preference.