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Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Cowboy Butter topped with herbs

Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Cowboy Butter

A delightful dish combining tender chicken, fresh lemon, and savory butter, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650 kcal

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.

Notes

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3g
Keyword Bowtie Pasta, cowboy butter, Easy Dinner, family meal, Lemon Chicken Pasta
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