why make this recipe

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful dish that combines delicious flavors with easy cooking techniques. The buttery lemon sauce adds a zesty flair, while the bowtie pasta and broccoli provide a perfect balance of texture. This meal is not only tasty but also quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

how to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (Adjust according to spice preference)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil (For cooking chicken)
6 tbsp unsalted butter (For the sauce)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (To adjust sauce consistency)

Directions:

Preparation

Start by boiling a pot of water for the pasta. Once it’s boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Once done, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli.

Cooking Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until it is fully cooked through and golden brown.

Making the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Allow it to melt and stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Combining Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and broccoli are well coated in the lemon butter sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chives. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

how to serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli in bowls. You can sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top as a finishing touch. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

how to store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer it into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to a month. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

tips to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

For a richer flavor, consider adding more herbs like thyme or basil.
If you like it spicy, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes.
Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.

variation

You can easily modify this recipe by using different proteins, such as shrimp or tofu, instead of chicken. Additionally, you can substitute the bowtie pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or spaghetti.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just cook the pasta and broccoli fresh when you’re ready to serve.

2. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein, and still enjoy the same delicious sauce.

3. What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Author: pedro
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful dish combining bowtie pasta, chicken, and broccoli in a creamy lemon butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
6 tbsp unsalted butter (for the sauce)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce consistency)

Instructions

Boil a pot of water for the pasta, add the bowtie pasta, and cook according to package instructions; in the last 2 minutes, add broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Reduce heat to medium, add 6 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, and melt. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes until creamy; add reserved pasta water if needed.
Toss cooked pasta and broccoli with the sauce, add grated Parmesan, parsley, and chives. Mix well and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Serve in bowls, sprinkling extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for a month.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: pasta, chicken, broccoli, lemon, easy dinner, weeknight meal