Name: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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; 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)

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A Flavorful Family Favorite: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

If you’re on the lookout for a delicious and easy recipe that will impress both your family and friends, you need to try Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. I stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I had a craving for something hearty yet refreshing. With the lovely zing of lemon and the comforting richness of cowboy butter, this dish brightened my dinner table and left everyone asking for seconds. It’s perfect not just for family dinners but also for gatherings when you want to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home!

Why Make This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to give this recipe a go! For starters, it packs a massive flavor punch thanks to the Cajun seasoning and fresh lemon juice. The combination of the tender chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and crunchy broccoli creates a delightful texture in each bite.

Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners. Within 30-40 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen! The ingredients are budget-friendly, and if you have kids, they’ll love the playful shape of the bowtie pasta and the creamy sauce – it’s a win-win. Even beginners will find this recipe accessible, with simple instructions and easy-to-follow steps.

How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Making this dish is not only rewarding; it’s also straightforward. You’re looking at about 30 minutes of prep work and cooking combined. All you need is a good cutting board, a pair of knives, a large pot for boiling pasta, and a sauté pan for cooking the chicken and making the sauce. That’s it! Let’s dive into creating a delightful meal.

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)

Step-by-Step Directions:

Preparation

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
In the last 3 minutes of cooking the pasta, toss in the broccoli florets. This step saves time and ensures your broccoli stays bright green and tender-crisp.

Cooking Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, you can set it aside.

Making the Sauce

In the same pan where you cooked the chicken, lower the heat and add the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt, scrapping up any bits left in the pan to combine their flavor into the sauce.
Once the butter is melted, stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard. If you want a spicy kick, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for a minute or two.

Combining Ingredients

Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Add the pasta and broccoli to the sauce in the sauté pan along with the cooked chicken.
Stir everything together, sprinkling in the grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Finally, garnish with fresh parsley and chives before serving.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli?

This dish shines as a standalone meal, but if you’re looking to add a side, consider a simple green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. The fresh greens will complement the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also serve it with a nice crusty bread for a complete dining experience. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving—it just adds that final touch of richness!

How to Store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli?

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish actually tastes great the next day, as the flavors continue to develop! If you happen to have more leftovers, you can freeze portions in tightly sealed containers for up to 3 months – just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce creamy.

Tips for Perfect Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Don’t overcook the pasta or broccoli! They should be just tender, yet still have a nice bite.
Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. If you prefer milder flavors, hold back on the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.
Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for better flavor. Freshly grated cheese gives the best results!
Make sure to reserve that pasta water; it’s your secret weapon to adjust the sauce’s consistency without losing flavor.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu. Add in some sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for a heartier dish.
Creamy Variation: Replace half of the unsalted butter with heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
Different Flavors: Try adding Italian seasoning or some Italian sausage instead of Cajun seasoning for a different twist.

FAQs about Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Can I substitute chicken with something else?
Absolutely! You can use shrimp, tofu, or even canned chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Certainly! You can swap bowtie pasta for penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape.

What can I do if my sauce turned out too thick?
If your sauce is too thick, slowly add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired creamy consistency.

Ready to impress your loved ones with this hearty, flavorful dish? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of making Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. You’ll create not just a meal, but memories around the dinner table!

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli