Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate full of creamy pasta and tender chicken, especially on a cozy evening when you’re looking for a little heartwarming comfort food. As I stir together the vibrant colors and aromas in my kitchen, I’m reminded of my grandmother’s cozy home, where the rich scent of butter and garlic mingled with laughter and love. That’s the essence of this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli—a melody of flavors that sings of togetherness and warmth.
This easy weeknight dinner comes together simply, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something scrumptious without spending hours in the kitchen. The delightful combination of zesty lemon, vibrant herbs, and a touch of Cajun spice will transport you to a happy place, one bite at a time. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- A creamy, comforting sauce that coats bowtie pasta and chicken beautifully.
- Loaded with seasonal broccoli for a wholesome, nutrient-packed meal.
- Customizable with your favorite proteins or veggies to delight your family.
- Family-friendly flavors that even picky eaters will love.
- A beautiful dish that’s equally stunning for special occasions or intimate gatherings.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple 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)
How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Let’s Make It Together
Preparation: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Stir in the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. This will help them stay vibrant and tender. Remember to reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining!
Cooking Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet, cooking until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium, and in the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest, mixing until well combined. For a touch more heat, feel free to add the crushed red pepper flakes now. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until you have a creamy sauce.
Combining Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta (along with the broccoli) to the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Finish with fresh parsley and chives for that pop of freshness!
Serving Up: Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to truly elevate the dish. A warm loaf of crusty bread on the side wouldn’t hurt either!
Variations & Creative Twists
- Veggie Lovers: Swap out the broccoli for asparagus or spinach for a different earthy flavor and texture.
- Protein Swaps: Use shrimp or turkey breast in place of chicken for a lighter option.
- Cheesy Delight: Add a scoop of ricotta cheese or cream cheese for an extra creamy, indulgent touch.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a refreshing twist.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat before tossing with freshly cooked pasta and broccoli.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, try Italian seasoning or a dash of chili powder for an alternative flavor profile.
- Slicing Tricks: For consistent-sized chicken pieces, cut against the grain for tender bites.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat gently on the stove to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 29g
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 620mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Prepare the chicken and sauce beforehand and toss with pasta right before serving.Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or change the veggies to your taste.How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.How long does it last?
Leftovers can last in the fridge for about 3 days.
Final Thoughts
There’s a certain magic that comes when you share a delicious meal with loved ones, and this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli captures that essence perfectly. It’s creamy, buttery, and bursting with flavor, a true testament to the comfort food we all cherish. Save this recipe to your comfort food board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A creamy and comforting dish featuring bowtie pasta and tender chicken, combined with vibrant broccoli and zesty lemon for a heartwarming meal.
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
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Stir in the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Remember to reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining!
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet, cooking until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium, and in the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest, mixing until well combined. If desired, add the crushed red pepper flakes for a touch more heat. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until you have a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta (along with the broccoli) to the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Finish with fresh parsley and chives for that pop of freshness!
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, alongside a warm loaf of crusty bread.
Notes
This dish is quick to prepare, perfect for weeknights, and can be customized with different proteins or veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
