Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning Adjust according to spice preference
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt to taste Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Optional
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon 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
Method
Preparation
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. When it’s boiling, add the bowtie pasta and broccoli florets. Cook according to the pasta package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the rest.
Cooking Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Making the Sauce
- Reduce the heat, and add the butter, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and a little reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the sauce. Adjust the consistency if needed by adding more reserved pasta water. Stir in fresh parsley and chives for an aromatic finish.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2g
Notes
Serve this dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, adding a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep the pasta moist.
Tried this recipe?Mention @WPRecipeMaker or tag #wprecipemaker!