Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a bowl of creamy pasta, perfectly cooked chicken, and vibrant broccoli—the kind of dish that cozily wraps around you like a favorite blanket. Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful symphony of flavors, reminiscent of easy weeknight dinners at home when the world felt just a bit slower and simpler. The buttery richness of the sauce, combined with the zesty kick of lemon, brings back memories of gathering around the table, sharing stories and laughter.
Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick and satisfying meal for your family or impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes!
- Flavorful and Comforting: The creamy sauce infused with garlic and lemon is both decadent and refreshing.
- Family-Friendly: Bid farewell to mealtime battles—everyone will love the tender chicken, flavorful pasta, and crispy broccoli.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easily customizable with whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand!
- One-Pot Wonder: Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli:
- 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
How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Let’s make it together! Follow these simple steps for a cozy meal the whole family will love:
- 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 and set aside.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta and chicken in the buttery sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs on top.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Add More Veggies: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or spinach for an extra pop of color and nutrients!
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a delightful twist on this classic dish.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor that complements the lemon beautifully.
- Spice It Up: Amp up the heat by adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce or extra crushed red pepper flakes!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: You can cook the chicken, pasta, and broccoli ahead of time and toss them in the sauce when ready to serve!
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute the Cajun seasoning with Italian herbs or your favorite spice blend for a different flavor profile.
- Slicing Tricks: For even cooking, ensure your chicken pieces are roughly the same size when cutting.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 510
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 620mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Make the components ahead of time and combine them when ready to serve for an easy weeknight dinner.
Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to mix it up with various proteins and veggies to suit your tastes and what you have on hand.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little reserved pasta water to prevent drying out.
How long does it last? Leftovers can be enjoyed for 3 days in the fridge. Just be cautious not to reheat them too quickly to maintain the creamy texture.
A Cozy Closing Note
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli truly brings the comforts of home to your dinner table. It’s a dish brimming with flavor, easy to whip up, and perfect for enjoying with family and friends. Save this recipe to your cozy creations board so it’s ready when you need a delightful treat! Happy cooking!
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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A creamy and flavorful one-pot dish featuring bowtie pasta, tender chicken, and broccoli, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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
- 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 and set aside.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat in the buttery sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs on top.
Notes
Make-ahead: Components can be prepared in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
