Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Introduction
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, zesty lemon butter sauce, and fresh broccoli with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. It’s an easy-to-make, satisfying meal that brings a delightful twist to everyday dinner.
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
- 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
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- Step 2: Season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: Lower heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 5: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 7: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Step 8: Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Swap broccoli for asparagus or green beans for a different vegetable twist.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the Parmesan.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is mild but can be adjusted by adding or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes. You can customize it to your preferred heat level.
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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal combining Cajun-spiced chicken, tender bowtie pasta, and fresh broccoli tossed in a zesty lemon butter sauce enriched with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty yet refreshing dinner that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
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 Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce
- 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
For the Pasta & Veggies
- 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
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce. Add the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and enhance creaminess.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and chives, tossing gently.
- Serve: Serve warm with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs on top for garnish.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Reserve pasta water carefully to enhance sauce without over-thinning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
- Fresh lemon zest and juice are key for vibrant flavor; avoid bottled lemon juice for best taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cowboy butter chicken, lemon butter sauce, Cajun chicken pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, broccoli chicken pasta, one pan chicken pasta
