Description
A delightful dish featuring tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli in a creamy, zesty sauce that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and 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 (for cooking chicken)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water, then add the bowtie pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
- Prep the chicken: While the pasta cooks, temper the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat them evenly and let them sit briefly to absorb these flavors.
- Sear the chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the outside, flipping them halfway to cook through evenly. Remove the chicken and let it rest on a plate.
- Create the cowboy butter sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter, allowing it to melt gently. Once melted, whisk in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, chives, and a splash of reserved pasta water. This concoction will thicken slightly, becoming a luscious sauce.
- Incorporate chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it thoroughly with the sauce. Then, add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add more reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Add the finishing touches: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the warm mixture. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley, chives, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken, pasta, broccoli, creamy sauce, Cajun seasoning, comfort food