Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, flavorful bowtie pasta, and vibrant broccoli in a creamy and zesty sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a burst of flavor that you won’t forget.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is a wonderful choice for several reasons. Firstly, it is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With a prep and cooking time of around 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. Secondly, it combines protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables into one hearty dish, making it a balanced option for dinner. Lastly, the creamy cowboy butter sauce takes the flavors to the next level, turning a simple meal into something special and satisfying.
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
Preparation
Start by preparing your ingredients. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). This will help infuse the chicken with flavor right from the start.
Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Usually, this takes about 10-12 minutes.
In the last 3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This keeps the broccoli vibrant and tender without overcooking.
Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later and then drain the rest.
Cooking Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces.
Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it is golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Making the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Stir frequently to help it mix with the chicken, creating a nice buttery flavor.
Add the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for a minute. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Gradually add in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously. The cheese will help thicken the sauce and add a creamy texture.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Combining Ingredients
Finally, add the cooked bowtie pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together, so the pasta and broccoli are coated with the creamy lemon butter sauce.
Stir in the chopped parsley and chives for an extra burst of flavor and color. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
How to serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Serve this dish warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This meal is also fantastic for meal prep; simply save leftovers in airtight containers and reheat when needed.
How to store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container. This dish can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. If the sauce thickens while sitting, you may want to add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up when reheating.
Tips to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and a bit of olive oil for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more color and nutrition.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes, depending on how spicy you like it.
- If you want a little more tang, add a splash of white wine during the sauce-making step for added depth of flavor.
Variation
- Vegetarian Version: You can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish by substituting the chicken with chickpeas or firm tofu. Simply cook them until golden brown and then follow the rest of the recipe as is.
- Seafood Version: Swap out chicken for shrimp or scallops. They will cook quickly, so make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a pan or microwave.
2. How can I make this dish healthier?
Consider using whole wheat bowtie pasta instead of regular pasta for added fiber. You can also use less butter or substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier creamy sauce.
3. What other side dishes go well with this meal?
This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted veggies as side dishes. They add different textures and flavors to your meal.
In conclusion, Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is an easy, delicious, and balanced meal suitable for any day of the week. Give it a try, and see how it becomes one of your family favorites!
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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful dish combining tender chicken, flavorful bowtie pasta, and vibrant broccoli in a creamy and zesty sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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
- 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
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
- In the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add broccoli florets.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned chicken for about 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter, and let it melt with swirling to blend flavors with chicken.
- Add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet and let it simmer for a minute.
- Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese to thicken the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, adjust with reserved pasta water.
- Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Mix in parsley and chives. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the chicken before cooking. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken, bowtie pasta, broccoli, creamy sauce, weeknight dinner