Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Let me guide you through a delightful culinary journey with a dish that bursts with flavor and ease: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. This recipe combines tender chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and vibrant broccoli, all harmoniously coated in a buttery, zesty sauce that makes every bite memorable. Whether you’re aiming for a family-friendly weeknight meal or a dish impressive enough for guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite on your dinner table.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

So, why should this vibrant dish take center stage in your kitchen? For starters, it’s remarkably quick to prepare — perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and fresh lemon brings warmth, zest, and a hint of spice that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it a smart choice for families.

“This dish is a game changer! Quick to make, and everyone in my family loved it!” – Happy Home Cook

How to Prepare This Recipe

Creating Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a straightforward process that will impress your taste buds. You’ll start by cooking the chicken, then move on to the sauce that ties everything together. Finally, it all comes together in one delicious, colorful dish! Follow these steps closely, and you’ll be savoring a delightful meal in no time.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Before you dive in, let’s gather everything you need for this delicious dish:

• 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 to taste)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 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 (for sauce consistency)

You can always swap broccoli with other veggies or customize the seasoning to match your family’s preferences.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the rest.

2. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the cut chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté until it’s cooked through and golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).

3. Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium, adding the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine, adding reserved pasta water little by little until you reach your desired sauce consistency.

4. Combine everything: Stir in the drained pasta and broccoli into the butter sauce, ensuring everything is well-coated and heated through. Fold in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Finish with chopped parsley and chives.

5. Serve it up: Plate your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli, garnishing with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy right away!

Tips for Serving

This dish truly shines on its own but can be paired perfectly with garlic bread or a simple green salad. To add a touch more elegance, consider a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the buttery and lemony sauce. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving can also elevate the presentation.

Best Way to Store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of extra olive oil or reserved pasta water to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.

Pro Chef Tips

To make this dish even more delightful, try these expert tips:

• For added depth, consider marinating the chicken in the Cajun spices for an hour before cooking.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, a splash of heavy cream will work wonders.
• Experiment with toppings; toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper add a fantastic crunch and a kick of flavor.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Adding different vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can also give the dish a new flavor profile. For a more refreshing taste, try experimenting with herbs like basil or dill in place of parsley and chives.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli?

Typically, this recipe can be prepared in about 30-40 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner.

Can I substitute the pasta?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substituting with gluten-free pasta works without losing much texture.

Is it safe to reheat leftovers?

Yes, as long as leftovers are stored properly in a refrigerator within two hours of cooking and consumed within three days. Always ensure it’s heated to a safe temperature before consuming.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead — cook the pasta and chicken separately, then combine when ready to serve. Just keep in mind that reheating may alter the texture slightly.

Bring this delicious combination of flavors to your table; it’s sure to become a household favorite in no time!

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli in a zesty buttery sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 to taste)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 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 (for sauce consistency)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the rest.
2. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the cut chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sauté until it’s cooked through and golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium, adding the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine, adding reserved pasta water little by little until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
4. Combine everything: Stir in the drained pasta and broccoli into the butter sauce, ensuring everything is well-coated and heated through. Fold in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Finish with chopped parsley and chives.
5. Serve it up: Plate your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli, garnishing with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy right away!

Notes

This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a green salad. Consider serving with Sauvignon Blanc for a lovely complement.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chicken, pasta, broccoli, easy weeknight dinner, creamy sauce