Description
A bright and buttery pasta dish featuring Cajun-spiced chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
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
- 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
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Prep: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry. Zest and juice the lemon, chop herbs, and measure spices.
- Season chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 5 minutes while the water heats.
- Cook pasta: Add bowtie pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Blanch broccoli: In the last 2–3 minutes of the pasta cook time, add broccoli florets to the pasta pot to blanch. Drain both together and set aside.
- Sear chicken: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make cowboy butter: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 6 tbsp butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, chives, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Combine everything: Return chicken to the skillet, add drained pasta and broccoli. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and pour in reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Heat just until warmed through.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
Substitutions: use turkey or tofu instead of chicken; Greek yogurt for a lighter finish; Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American