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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

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A vibrant and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich Cowboy butter sauce with a zesty lemon kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Boil Your Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, around 8-10 minutes.
  2. Add Broccoli: Just 3 minutes before the pasta finishes, toss in the broccoli florets.
  3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, scoop out 1/2 cup of pasta water and set aside.
  4. Season the Chicken: While pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet on medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown (about 6-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  6. Create the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Lower heat to medium, add butter, and then add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (1 minute).
  7. Flavor Boost: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season to taste.
  8. Combine Ingredients: Return chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce, using reserved pasta water as needed.
  9. Finish with Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
  10. Serve Warm: Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Customization options include adding more vegetables such as bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, pasta, comfort food, Southern, easy recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://oliviatable.com/cowboy-butter-lemon-bowtie-chicken-broccoli/