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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 88 reviews

A flavorful and creamy skillet dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and tender broccoli florets tossed in a zesty lemon butter sauce with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 2 cups broccoli florets

Seasonings and Spices

  • 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)

Sauce Ingredients

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken.
  3. Cooking the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in the chopped parsley and chives, seasoning the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to evenly coat everything in the lemon butter sauce. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
  6. Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined with the other ingredients.
  7. Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Notes

  • Adjust Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • Reserve pasta water carefully; it helps to achieve a creamy sauce without adding extra cream.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture if preferred.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley and chives enhance the lemon butter sauce but can be omitted or substituted with dried herbs in a pinch.
  • This dish pairs well with a light green salad or crusty bread.

Keywords: lemon chicken pasta, cowboy butter sauce, bowtie pasta recipe, Cajun chicken, creamy pasta with broccoli

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/cowboy-butter-lemon-bowtie-chicken-with-broccoli-recipe/