Lemon Cajun Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, a little bit zesty, and has just the right amount of kick, then you’re going to absolutely love this Lemon Cajun Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe. I first stumbled upon this combo on a lazy weekend and have made it a go-to ever since. The creamy, buttery Cajun sauce combined with bright lemon notes and tender chicken? Pure magic. Plus, that pop of green broccoli not only adds freshness but also packs some nutrition. So, if you want a weeknight winner that’ll have your family asking for seconds, stick around. I’ll walk you through every step with some handy tips so you can nail it on your first go!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lemon Cajun Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe brings together simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other beautifully. When I shop for this, I always pick fresh chicken breasts and bright green broccoli to ensure the best texture and flavor.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cutting them into bite-sized pieces helps them cook evenly and soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: This pasta shape holds the sauce perfectly, making every bite flavorful.
• Broccoli florets: I like using fresh for a nice crunch, but frozen works in a pinch—just don’t overcook.
• Cajun seasoning: This is the heart of the dish’s spice—feel free to adjust based on your heat preference.
• Garlic powder and smoked paprika: They add depth without overpowering.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential to balance the flavors just right.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, for that little extra kick.
• Dijon mustard: Trust me, it brings a subtle tang that lifts the sauce.
• Juice and zest of one lemon: Always fresh—don’t skip this or you miss that bright citrus pop.
• Fresh parsley and chives: These herbs add color and fresh herbal notes right before serving.
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden perfection.
• Unsalted butter: The base of the sauce that makes it rich and creamy.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: This brings a savory, melty finish to the pasta.
• Reserved pasta water: A secret weapon to loosen the sauce to just the right consistency.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Lemon Cajun Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe is how easily you can tweak it based on what you have or your preferences—it’s super forgiving!

• Swap proteins: I’ve tried shrimp instead of chicken for a lighter, seafood twist; it works beautifully with the same seasoning.
• Make it creamy: Adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half takes the sauce from buttery to luscious.
• Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—you’ll hardly notice the difference.
• Extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers or mushrooms if you want to pep it up with more color and nutrition.

How to Make Lemon Cajun Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli Together

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s at a rolling boil, toss in the bowtie pasta. After it’s been cooking about 9 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the same pot for the last 3 minutes so they get tender but still a little crisp. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining everything. This water is magic when it comes to bringing the sauce together without making it gloopy.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, toss your chicken pieces in a bowl with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked inside. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan; otherwise, the chicken will steam instead of sear. Once cooked, set it aside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Flavorful Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to wash!), melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté some minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—this part smells incredible and makes your kitchen feel cozy. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in the chopped parsley and chives, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. This sauce is where all the bold, zesty, and buttery notes come alive.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Finish with Cheese

Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently, adding the reserved pasta water a splash at a time to get the sauce to a silky, creamy consistency. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. The cheese not only thickens the sauce but also adds that irresistible savory touch.

How to Serve Lemon Cajun Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish with some extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a quick squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. It just brightens everything up and makes it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for even more flavor and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I’ve served this in individual shallow bowls garnished with colorful edible flowers and extra herbs. It makes the meal feel special without any extra work. You could also plate it over a bed of steamed rice or cauliflower rice for different textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Lemon Cajun Chicken Pasta with Broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve found that the flavors really meld after sitting overnight, making leftovers surprisingly tasty.

Freezing

Freezing works, but the broccoli sometimes loses its texture and the pasta can get a bit soft. If you plan to freeze, I recommend undercooking the pasta and broccoli slightly before freezing to preserve texture. Freeze in portion-sized containers for convenience.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of pasta water or broth to refresh the sauce and avoid drying out. Microwaving works too, but be sure to stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Lemon Cajun Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Recipe turns out every single time—it’s one of those dishes that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just want a flavorful meal to enjoy on a hectic night, this recipe hits the sweet spot of comfort, spice, and freshness. Give it a try—you’ll be inviting this dish back into your weekly rotation before you know it. And hey, if you add your own twist, let me know! Sharing kitchen wins is the best part of cooking, don’t you think?

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