Why Make This Recipe
Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Cowboy Butter is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, fresh lemon, and savory butter into a satisfying meal. The unique mix of spices gives the chicken a little kick, while the creamy sauce brings everything together. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Plus, it’s easy to make and uses ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen!
How to Make Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Cowboy Butter
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
- Zest and juice 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 more for serving
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the lemon butter sauce. Cook together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Pour in reserved pasta water and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss all ingredients gently until well combined and the cheese is melted, creating a creamy texture.
- Stir in chopped parsley and chives. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.
How to Serve Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Cowboy Butter
Serve this delicious pasta warm. You can dish it up in large bowls or plates and sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. A fresh green salad or crusty bread on the side makes for a complete meal.
How to Store Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Cowboy Butter
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra butter to keep the pasta creamy.
Tips to Make Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Cowboy Butter
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- You can add more veggies like bell peppers or snap peas if you like.
- For an even richer flavor, consider using a mix of regular and lemon-infused olive oil.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, try using shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. You can also replace bowtie pasta with any other pasta shape you prefer, like penne or fusilli.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before seasoning and cooking.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can create a simple spice mix with paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder to mimic the flavors.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time and combine them just before serving for the best taste and texture.
Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Cowboy Butter
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 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
For the Sauce
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) For added heat
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Zest and juice of 1 lemon
For the Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together.
Cooking
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the lemon butter sauce. Cook together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Pour in reserved pasta water and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss all ingredients gently until well combined and the cheese is melted, creating a creamy texture.
- Stir in chopped parsley and chives. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.