Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful dish that combines flavors, textures, and colors in every bite. This recipe stands out for its rich, buttery sauce, zesty lemon, and tender chicken, all tossed with light and carefree bowtie pasta. It’s a great choice for family dinners or weekend gatherings because it’s quick to prepare yet feels special. Plus, it’s packed with veggies, making it a wholesome option for everyone at the table.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. In the last 3 minutes, add the broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in the parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the dish is creamy and well combined.
- Serve warm and top with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Serve this delicious dish warm right out of the skillet. You can plate it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top and a few extra herbs for a fresh look. This meal pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a skillet over medium heat or the microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- Ensure your butter does not brown too much; you want it to melt and become a base for your sauce.
- Feel free to adjust the level of spice by varying the amount of red pepper flakes based on your taste.
- For best results, use fresh lemon juice and zest to really brighten the flavors.
- If you prefer a creamy texture, add more Parmesan cheese or even a splash of cream to the sauce.
Variation
You can switch up the veggies in this recipe! Instead of broccoli, try using spinach, peas, or asparagus for a different twist. Additionally, you can use shrimp or tofu as a protein substitute for those who prefer seafood or want a vegetarian option.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
2. Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some components ahead, like marinating the chicken or cooking the pasta and broccoli. Just assemble and heat everything when you’re ready to eat!
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 each Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta and Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente.
- In the last 3 minutes, add the broccoli florets.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Preparing the Chicken
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Mix in the parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Finishing the Dish
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the dish is creamy and well combined.
- Serve warm and top with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.