Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta to al dente according to package directions. Add broccoli florets in the last 2 to 3 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Drain and set aside.
- Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer, sear undisturbed for 2 minutes, then cook for 6 to 7 minutes total until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside, leaving browned bits in the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and melt, scraping up the browned bits. Add minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in parsley and chives.
- Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce loosens and clings to the pasta.
- Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon.
Notes
Do not rush the chicken sear. Reserve pasta water before draining. Add broccoli in the last 2 to 3 minutes of pasta cooking for tender-crisp texture. Add pasta water slowly and stop when the sauce reaches the right consistency. Chicken thighs can replace breasts with 1 to 2 extra minutes cook time. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
