Description
A high-protein, zesty pasta dish featuring tender seared chicken and crisp broccoli tossed in a bold garlic-herb butter sauce with bright citrus notes. Perfect for a satisfying and flavorful family dinner.
Ingredients
12 oz Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta
1 lb Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups Broccoli Florets
6 tbsp Unsalted Butter
1 large Lemon, zested and juiced
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
3 tbsp Fresh Herbs (Parsley and Chives), minced
1 tsp Cajun Seasoning
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
Salt, to taste
Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add broccoli florets and bowtie pasta to the boiling water. Cook until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender, about 2-3 minutes for broccoli and 7-9 minutes for pasta.
Reserve 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli.
Heat 3 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes total, stirring occasionally.
Add remaining 3 tbsp butter to the skillet. Stir in minced herbs, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and a splash of lemon juice. Cook for 1-2 minutes to infuse the butter with flavor.
Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the butter sauce. Toss together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky emulsion.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce clings to the pasta. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, optionally with a final drizzle of lemon juice and a garnish of fresh herbs.
Notes
For gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free bowtie pasta.
Chicken thighs can be used for a more flavorful and tender option.
Ensure fresh herbs are finely chopped to blend well with the sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water as needed.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Fusion