Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
As the seasons turn and the air becomes crisp, our kitchens transform into warm havens, filled with the inviting aromas of rich, comforting meals. One such dish that always evokes a sense of nostalgia is Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. Picture this: golden, tender pieces of chicken tossed with creamy, zesty sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all mingled with bright, vibrant broccoli florets. It’s the type of meal that brings the family together after a long day, creating those moments that turn into cherished memories, just like the ones I had when my grandma would gather us all around her dinner table for a feast. This easy weeknight dinner is a delightful way to mix comfort with a splash of sophistication, and it’s a recipe you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- A one-pot wonder that means fewer dishes to wash afterward—a definite win!
- The creamy, zesty flavors are crowd-pleasers, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
- Packed with nutritious broccoli, adding a bright touch and plenty of vitamins.
- Versatile and customizable, allowing you to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins.
What You’ll Need
To get started on your culinary adventure with Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken, gather these simple 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
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Let’s Make It Together
Ready to create this delicious dish? Follow these cozy, step-by-step instructions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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If you enjoy a little heat, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes. Next, add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
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Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat in that luscious sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to get that creamy consistency.
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Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and everything is beautifully coated and creamy.
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Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley and chives.
Variations & Creative Twists
While this recipe is delightful as it is, here are a few fun ways to customize it to suit your cravings:
- Zesty Lemon Shrimp: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a refreshing twist—just sauté the shrimp until pink and tender.
- Creamy Spinach: Add a handful of fresh spinach to the skillet alongside the broccoli for an extra nutrient boost and a pop of color!
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken: For an even creamier sauce, add extra grated Parmesan and a splash of heavy cream for a rich, indulgent experience.
- Seasonal Veggies: Experiment with other vegetables like asparagus or sautéed bell peppers to make the dish your own!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To make your cooking experience even smoother, here are a few helpful tips:
- Make-ahead magic: You can prep the chicken and veggies in advance. Just combine everything right before cooking for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Pasta perfection: Remember not to overcook your pasta in the boiling water; al dente is key for maintaining a lovely texture.
- Storage secrets: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to keep it creamy.
- Slicing success: For even cooking, cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces. This ensures that every piece gets that delicious golden crust!
Calories & Nutrition Details
For those mindful of their nutrition, here’s a breakdown per serving:
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 550
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 650mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about this dish? Here are some common questions answered:
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Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Just prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time. Assemble right before cooking for a quick meal.
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Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
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How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Gently reheat on the stove.
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How long does it last? Leftovers last for about 3 days in the refrigerator. You may also freeze the dish for up to a month!
Wrapping It Up
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a true gem for those cozy nights when you want to gather your loved ones around the table with warmth and comfort. With its creamy sauce, vibrant colors, and the satisfying crunch of broccoli, it’s sure to delight everyone in your home. Save this recipe to your easy weeknight dinner board so it’s ready for your next craving of nostalgia and flavor! Happy cooking!
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 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
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) For added heat
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
For the Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water To adjust sauce consistency
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped For garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta and Broccoli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
- Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Making the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- If you enjoy a little heat, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes. Next, add Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Combining Everything
- Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat in that luscious sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to get that creamy consistency.
- Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and everything is beautifully coated and creamy.
Serving
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley and chives.
