I remember the first time I made Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. The aroma of sautéed chicken mixed with garlic and lemon filled my kitchen, making it feel warm and inviting. This recipe isn’t just another meal; it captures the essence of comforting home cooking. It holds a special place in my heart because it brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that’s full of flavor and joy. You can just feel the love poured into every bite. What’s special about this recipe is how the bright, zesty lemon complements the buttery sauce, creating a perfect harmony that will make your taste buds dance.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe stands out because it is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. It’s a complete meal with protein, carbs, and veggies, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can enjoy a nutritious dish that brings comfort and joy to your table. The delightful combination of flavors and the vibrant colors will not only satisfy your hunger but also uplift your spirit.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients
- 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 according to spice preference)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 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 (to adjust sauce consistency)
Directions
- Preparation: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. When it’s boiling, add the bowtie pasta and broccoli florets. Cook them according to the pasta package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the rest.
- Cooking Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the chicken until it’s browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Making the Sauce: Reduce the heat, and add the butter, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and a little reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
- Combining Ingredients: Add the cooked bowtie pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the sauce. Adjust the consistency if needed by adding more reserved pasta water. Stir in fresh parsley and chives for an aromatic finish.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Serve this dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. You can pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy it with your family and friends for a cozy dinner at home.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist. You can also warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- Make sure to cook the chicken in batches if your skillet is small, so it cooks evenly.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference; feel free to leave it out for a milder flavor.
- For added richness, you can use more butter or cheese as desired.
Variation
You can add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color. For a different protein, shrimp or tofu can be used instead of chicken.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of bowtie pasta?
Yes, whole wheat pasta is a great alternative and will add extra fiber to the dish.
2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or your choice of vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
It’s best to consume the dish fresh, but if needed, it can be frozen. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop when ready to eat.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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 according to spice preference
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt to taste Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Optional
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon 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 to adjust sauce consistency
Method
Preparation
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. When it’s boiling, add the bowtie pasta and broccoli florets. Cook according to the pasta package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the rest.
Cooking Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Making the Sauce
- Reduce the heat, and add the butter, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and a little reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the sauce. Adjust the consistency if needed by adding more reserved pasta water. Stir in fresh parsley and chives for an aromatic finish.