Cajun Chicken and Broccoli with Bowtie Pasta
A quick and vibrant meal featuring Cajun-spiced chicken, broccoli, and bowtie pasta in a silky lemon-butter sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Dairy-free option
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breasts, boneless skinless
- 12 oz Bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups Broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 6 tbsp Butter, unsalted
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 Lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Paprika, smoked
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp Chives, fresh, chopped
- 2 tbsp Parsley, fresh, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Reserved pasta water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3–4 minutes until bright and just tender. Add the minced garlic and cook about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and add the butter to the skillet. Stir in the reserved pasta water, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in the chives and parsley.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, slice it against the grain, and toss in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Plate immediately and top with grated Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
Swap bowtie for penne or rotini if needed. For a dairy-free version, use a vegan butter substitute and omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.