Savor the Flavor of Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Today!

Get ready to saddle up your taste buds for a flavor-packed adventure with this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli! This irresistible dish combines tender chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and vibrant lemon to create a symphony of Southwestern-inspired deliciousness. Toss in some broccoli florets, and you’ve got a complete one-pan meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

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The History and Flavors of Cowboy Butter

The origins of “cowboy butter” can be traced back to the rugged ranch lands of the American West, where resourceful cowboys would whip up simple, flavorful sauces to add some zest to their meals. This signature butter combines the warm, earthy notes of garlic and paprika with the bright, tangy punch of lemon, creating a versatile condiment that can elevate everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. In this recipe, the cowboy butter sauce acts as the perfect complement to the juicy chicken and tender broccoli, infusing the entire dish with its zesty, irresistible flavor.

Ingredients for 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
• Juice and zest 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 extra for topping)

Essential Kitchen Tools and Equipment

To create this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools and equipment. First, a large skillet or sauté pan is crucial for cooking the chicken and preparing the cowboy butter sauce. A sharp chef’s knife will make quick work of cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic. A sturdy set of measuring cups and spoons will ensure you can accurately portion out the ingredients. Finally, a colander or mesh strainer is necessary for draining the cooked pasta and broccoli.

When it comes to choosing quality ingredients, look for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts, fragrant garlic, and vibrant lemon. Opt for a good-quality Dijon mustard and unsalted butter to create the rich, flavorful cowboy butter sauce. And for the pasta, bowtie (or farfalle) is the perfect shape to capture all the delicious sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Cook Pasta & Broccoli

Begin by cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. About 2-3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. This will allow the broccoli to cook along with the pasta. Once the pasta and broccoli are tender, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the mixture and set it aside.

Season Chicken

In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Cook Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Make Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest, combining everything well.

Combine

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli, tossing everything together and adding the reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky, well-coated sauce.

Finish

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and chives. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper if desired.

Serve

Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy the bold, zesty flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of the American West!

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken

To ensure your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a hit, here are a few helpful tips:

• Achieve Maximum Flavor: Be generous with the Cajun seasoning, garlic, and lemon to really make the flavors of the cowboy butter sauce shine.
• Cook the Chicken Perfectly: Searing the chicken over medium-high heat will help it develop a nice golden-brown crust while keeping the interior juicy and tender.
• Customize the Pasta: While bowtie pasta is the classic choice, you can use other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli if that’s what you have on hand.
• Garnish with Flair: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and chives adds a vibrant, herbal note that complements the dish beautifully.
• Adjust Consistency: The reserved pasta water is key to creating a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken evenly.

Nutritional Information: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken

A serving of this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli provides approximately 540 calories, 36 grams of protein, 25 grams of fat, and 48 grams of carbohydrates. The chicken and broccoli offer a nutritious protein and fiber boost, while the pasta and butter provide a satisfying balance of carbs and healthy fats.

For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of butter in the cowboy butter sauce or use a low-fat or non-dairy alternative. Additionally, substituting whole wheat pasta for the bowtie will increase the fiber content of the dish.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine with Garlic Cajun Butter
• Chicken, Sausage, and Broccoli Orzo
• High-Protein Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls
• Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack

FAQs About Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken

What is cowboy butter and how does it flavor this dish?

Cowboy butter is a simple, flavorful sauce made by combining melted butter with garlic, lemon, and often smoky or spicy seasonings like paprika or cayenne. In this recipe, the cowboy butter sauce serves as the base, infusing the chicken, pasta, and broccoli with its zesty, buttery goodness.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of bowtie?

Absolutely! While bowtie (or farfalle) pasta is the traditional choice, you can easily substitute other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. The key is to cook the pasta according to the package instructions and reserve some of the starchy cooking water to help create the creamy sauce.

How do I keep the chicken juicy and tender?

The key to juicy, tender chicken is to avoid overcooking it. Be sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, which will help it cook through quickly without drying out. Searing the chicken over medium-high heat also helps develop a nice sear on the outside while keeping the interior moist and flavorful.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time or stored for leftovers?

Yes, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe can be made ahead of time and stored for leftovers. Cook the pasta and broccoli, prepare the cowboy butter sauce, and sear the chicken as directed. Then, store the components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce, toss everything together, and enjoy!

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

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