Looking for a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe! Packed with flavor and simple to make, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and lemon in the Cowboy Butter sauce creates a burst of delicious flavors that will leave you wanting more.
- With quick prep time and easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week.
- The addition of broccoli and Parmesan cheese adds a nutritious twist to this comforting pasta dish.
Ingredient Notes:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika: These spices add depth and flavor to the dish.
- Olive oil, unsalted butter: Used for cooking and creating a rich sauce.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant aroma to the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a spicy kick.
- Dijon mustard: Adds tanginess to the sauce.
- Juice and zest of lemon: Provides a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, and fresh chives, chopped: For a burst of freshness.
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: A fun pasta shape that holds the sauce well.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a nutritious element to the dish.
- Reserved pasta water: Helps create a silky sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Add broccoli florets in the last few minutes of cooking. Reserve some pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet with olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Stir in parsley and chives, season with salt and pepper.
- Add pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Helpful Tips:
- Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream or cream cheese.
- To make it spicier, increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of water or broth.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
- Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- For a creamier sauce, add more Parmesan cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or a glass of white wine. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or with your favorite side dishes.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape in this recipe.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? While best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead and quickly assemble the dish when ready to eat.
- How can I make this dish less spicy? Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
- Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, frozen broccoli can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the dish.
Conclusion:
Try out this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy this delicious dish with your loved ones!
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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe is a delicious and creamy pasta dish with tender chicken, broccoli, and a flavorful sauce made with lemon, butter, and herbs.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
Other Ingredients:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Boil salted water, add pasta and broccoli, cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken, cook in a skillet until golden, then set aside.
- Make Sauce: Melt butter in the skillet, add garlic, red pepper flakes, mustard, lemon juice, zest, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet, toss in the sauce, and stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Serve warm with extra Parmesan, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Notes
- Save pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency.
- For extra richness, add cream or cream cheese.
- To make it spicier, increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with water or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: Approximately 500 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg