Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

why make this recipe

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli brings together the perfect combination of flavors and textures. This dish is satisfying, easy to make, and packed with nutrients. The creamy, buttery sauce is brightened with lemon, enhancing the chicken and pasta while the broccoli adds a nice crunch. It’s a great meal for busy weeknights or even for impressing guests at dinner.

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how to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 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)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter (for the sauce)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce consistency)

Directions:

1. Preparation
   Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, 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 some of the pasta water.

2. Cooking Chicken
   In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cut chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Making the Sauce
   In the same skillet, melt the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cheese. Mix well until creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you get the desired consistency.

4. Combining Ingredients
   Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together in the sauce. Add in the chopped parsley, chives, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well and cook for another minute to heat through.

how to serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Serve this delightful dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and sprinkled with fresh herbs. A simple side salad or crusty bread pairs well to enjoy with this meal.

how to store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to loosen the sauce.

tips to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

• Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
• Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste.
• Adding some cherry tomatoes or spinach can enhance the dish further.

variation

For a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with chickpeas or diced tofu. This will still provide plenty of protein while keeping the meal satisfying.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta.

2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

3. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can substitute it with Italian seasoning, or simply use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

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