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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 59 reviews

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful, creamy stovetop dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and fresh broccoli florets all tossed in a zesty lemon butter sauce enriched with garlic, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese. This hearty American dinner recipe balances spicy, tangy, and buttery flavors for a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Add Flavorings: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring well to combine the flavors.
  6. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to create a creamy consistency.
  7. Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, coating the ingredients beautifully.
  8. Serve: Serve the dish warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for extra flavor and color.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of heat in the sauce.
  • Adding reserved pasta water slowly helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings to the pasta and chicken.
  • Leftovers reheat best with a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess.
  • Feel free to swap broccoli for other green veggies like asparagus or spinach for variety.

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken, Lemon Bowtie Pasta, Cajun Chicken, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Broccoli Pasta, One Pan Dinner, Easy Chicken Recipe

Find it online: https://cheframi.com/cowboy-butter-lemon-bowtie-chicken-with-broccoli-recipe/