Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Why make this recipe
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fun bowtie pasta in a creamy, zesty sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a special weekend dinner. The mix of spices and fresh ingredients makes each bite incredibly flavorful. Plus, it comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
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:
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Preparation: Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. In the last three minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
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Cooking Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
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Making the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Then, stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to create a creamy sauce.
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Combining Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Finally, mix in the Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chives.
How to serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Serve this delicious dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs on top. It pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water to help bring back the creaminess of the sauce.
Tips to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the Cajun seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can customize the spice levels by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, for added color and nutrition.
Variation
For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta and replace the butter with olive oil. Add more greens like spinach for added health benefits!
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and combine them with the pasta and broccoli just before serving for the best texture.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. In the last three minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Then, stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to create a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Finally, mix in the Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chives.
