Description
A delightful dish featuring golden seared chicken with zesty lemon, garlic, and bowtie pasta, perfect for family meals or celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the bowtie pasta. Cook according to the package instructions. Just before the pasta reaches al dente, toss in the broccoli florets for the last 2-3 minutes. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water; set both aside.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard, then the lemon juice and zest. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta and broccoli. Gently toss everything together. Gradually add the reserved pasta water until the sauce nicely coats the pasta.
- Finish with cheese and herbs: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, followed by chopped parsley and chives, mixing until everything is harmonious. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese as desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate chicken ahead of time and try different vegetable combinations for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken, pasta, comfort food, Southern, lemon