Description
A creamy, zesty dish that combines tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli in a comforting cowboy butter sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Zest and juice 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 more for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creamy consistency.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, creating a luscious sauce.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for an inviting touch.
Notes
Make ahead by cooking the pasta and chicken in advance and combine with the sauce just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg