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 the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli. 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. Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

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

Step 4: Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is creamy and well combined.

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

Tips & Variations

Use half-and-half cream instead of pasta water for a richer sauce.

Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.

Add a handful of cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.

Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or penne rigate works well with this recipe. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild heat from the Cajun seasoning and optional crushed red pepper flakes. You can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to make it milder if preferred.