Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
A delightful dish combining rich buttery sauce, zesty lemon, and tender chicken tossed with bowtie pasta and broccoli, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
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.
Notes
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. 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. You can switch up the veggies in this recipe! Instead of broccoli, try using spinach, peas, or asparagus for a different twist.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2g
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