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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 137 reviews

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a deliciously creamy and flavorful one-pan pasta dish that combines tender Cajun-spiced chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, fresh broccoli florets, and a zesty lemon butter sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 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)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)

Pasta & Vegetables

  • 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce consistency)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot to blanch. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
  2. Season Chicken: In a bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to evenly coat the chicken with the spices.
  3. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Add Flavorings: Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in the chopped parsley and chives. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Toss Ingredients Together: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.
  7. Add Cheese and Finish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and everything is well combined.
  8. Serve: Serve the dish warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and an optional squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.

Notes

  • For a creamier sauce, feel free to add extra butter and Parmesan cheese to taste.
  • Use gluten-free pasta if desired to make the recipe gluten-free.
  • Toss the pasta mixture quickly to prevent sticking as the sauce thickens.
  • If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes and Cajun seasoning.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley and chives add a bright, fresh flavor that compliments the lemony sauce perfectly.

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

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