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 chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

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

Step 4: Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the butter sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the amount according to your heat preference.

Swap bowtie pasta for penne or rotini if preferred.

Add cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for extra vegetables and flavor.

Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the best brightness in the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Add them during the last few minutes of pasta cooking time as you would with fresh broccoli. Just be sure to drain well before tossing with the pasta and sauce.

What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make a simple blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and thyme to achieve a similar flavor.