Description
A zesty and smoky chicken dish with bowtie pasta, bright lemon sauce, and blanched broccoli. Creamy yet light, perfect for a hearty yet healthy meal with bold Southern-Italian fusion flavors.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup bowtie pasta
1 cup broccoli florets
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
1/2 cup pasta water, reserved
Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Season chicken cubes with Cajun seasoning, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until browned, ~4 minutes per side
Blanch broccoli in boiling salted water for 2 minutes, drain, and cool in ice water if desired
Melt butter in a pan, stir in garlic until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, chives, and paprika
Return chicken and any juices to the pan. Add cooked pasta and broccoli. Stir in pasta water to loosen sauce, then simmer 2-3 minutes
Serve with optional Parmesan and additional lemon zest
Notes
Marinate chicken 30 minutes for deeper flavor
Toast bowtie pasta in oven for 3 minutes before cooking
Use 1-inch broccoli florets for perfect texture
Reserve pasta water for sauce consistency
Skip Parmesan for strict halal diets
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg