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Savor the Flavor of Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken Today!

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • 12 ounce bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 2 cup broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

1. Cook 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.

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

7. 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!

Notes

To ensure your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a hit, be generous with the Cajun seasoning, garlic, and lemon to really make the flavors of the cowboy butter sauce shine. Searing the chicken over medium-high heat will help it develop a nice golden-brown crust while keeping the interior juicy and tender. 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. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and chives adds a vibrant, herbal note that complements the dish beautifully. The reserved pasta water is key to creating a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken evenly.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, pasta, broccoli, cowboy butter