Can this be made in under 30 minutes?

Yes, the recipe is designed to be quick and efficient.

Does it work for meal prep?

Most versions store well for one to three days.

Yes, simple swaps can be made for convenience or dietary needs.

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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente.
In the last 3 minutes, add broccoli florets.
Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a bowl, season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest.
Mix in parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Add pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet.
Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.
Serve warm with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Use pre-cut chicken for quicker prep. Frozen broccoli can also be used. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.