Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Bliss
A delightful dish that combines tender chicken, zesty lemon, and fresh broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights.
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!
Notes
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: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. If you like extra lemon flavor, add more zest and juice. For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use cooked white beans or replace it with extra veggies such as bell peppers or zucchini.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2g
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