Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful dish that combines vibrant flavors with a hearty meal. The creamy butter sauce mingles with the fresh taste of lemon, creating a dish that is both comforting and refreshing. It’s perfect for a family dinner or for impressing friends at a gathering. Plus, it features nutritious broccoli and easy-to-cook pasta, making it a great weeknight option.
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 large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cooking Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces.
- Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Once melted, stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes, then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta with broccoli back to the skillet. Toss everything together so that it is coated in the sauce.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and chives to add a pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped herbs for garnish. Pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread to enjoy every drop of the delicious sauce.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
- Make it a complete meal by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- If you don’t have chicken breasts, any boneless chicken parts work well.
Variation
You can easily turn this into a vegetarian dish by omitting the chicken and adding more broccoli or other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. For a different protein, shrimp would also be a great substitute.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it can vary.
2. Can I make this dish without broccoli?
Absolutely! You can leave out the broccoli or substitute it with other vegetables like spinach or peas.
3. How do I make it dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients
Main 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
- 1 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
Preparation
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cooking Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces.
- Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Once melted, stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes, then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta with broccoli back to the skillet. Toss everything together so that it is coated in the sauce.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and chives to add a pop of color and flavor.