Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss is a delightful dish that brings together flavor and comfort in one meal. It is quick to make, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and fresh broccoli not only tastes amazing but also looks great on your plate. This recipe is crowd-pleaser both for families and guests.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (Cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 12 oz Bowtie pasta (Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute)
- 2 cups Broccoli florets (Can be replaced with other veggies)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (Substitute with Italian seasoning if needed)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper (Adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (Optional for extra heat)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Juice and zest of 1 Lemon (Brings brightness to the sauce)
- 6 tbsp Unsalted butter (Key fat for the sauce)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (For cooking the chicken)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (Plus extra for topping)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (For garnish)
- 1 tbsp Chives, chopped (For garnish)
- 1/2 cup Reserved pasta water (To adjust sauce consistency)
Directions: Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter to the skillet. Stir to melt the butter and combine all the flavors.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and chives before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss!
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
Serve this dish warm, right from the skillet. It is great on its own but you can also pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds a nice finishing touch.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
- Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- If you like extra lemon flavor, add more zest and juice.
- If you want a vegetarian version, you can skip the chicken and use cooked white beans or replace it with extra veggies such as bell peppers or zucchini.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by using different pasta shapes or trying different vegetables like spinach or asparagus. Change the seasoning if you prefer a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Just add them to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking.
2. Is this recipe safe to freeze?
Yes, you can freeze the dish, but for the best texture, it’s best to freeze without the Parmesan cheese.
3. How can I make this dish more spicy?
Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for more heat.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz Bowtie pasta Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute
- 2 cups Broccoli florets Can be replaced with other veggies
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning Substitute with Italian seasoning if needed
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper Adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes Optional for extra heat
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Juice and zest of 1 Lemon Juice and zest Brings brightness to the sauce
- 6 tbsp Unsalted butter Key fat for the sauce
- 2 tbsp Olive oil For cooking the chicken
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for topping
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
- 1 tbsp Chives, chopped For garnish
- 1/2 cup Reserved pasta water To adjust sauce consistency
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water.
- Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
Making the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low. Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and butter to the skillet.
- Stir to melt the butter and combine all the flavors.
Combining Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
Adding Cheese
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped parsley and chives before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss!