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

Salt and black pepper, to taste

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 the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.

Step 2: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black 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 and set aside.

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

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

Step 5: Serve the dish warm, topped with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the Cajun seasoning.

Swap out broccoli for asparagus or green beans if preferred.

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.

Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth.

To make it gluten-free, substitute bowtie pasta with a gluten-free variety.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute fresh broccoli with frozen florets. Add them to the pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking as you would fresh broccoli, but be careful not to overcook to maintain texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the Cajun seasoning and optional crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice to your preference by reducing or omitting the red pepper flakes.