Why Make This Recipe

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful blend of flavors that brightens up your dinner table. The creamy butter sauce, tangy lemon, and fresh herbs create a comforting yet exciting dish. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, the combination of chicken, pasta, and broccoli ensures everyone gets a hearty, nutritious meal.

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 boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Cooking Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Making the Sauce: Lower the heat and add the butter to the skillet with the chicken. Once melted, stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combining Ingredients: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and broccoli are coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, and chives. Mix until evenly combined.

Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

For a quicker meal, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.

Feel free to adjust the spices according to your family’s taste preferences, adding more or less Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper for heat.

Adding other vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, can enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Just combine everything right before serving and reheat.

2. Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

3. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.