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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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