Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a plate of creamy pasta topped with golden chicken and vibrant green broccoli. This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli has quickly become one of my go-to recipes for those busy weeknights when I crave something both delicious and easy to prepare. With the perfect blend of flavors—a hint of zesty lemon, a touch of Cajun spice, and the richness of butter—this dish wraps you in a warm embrace that will make you feel right at home.
Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories from our day over plates of hearty pasta. I remember the laughter, the joy, and the aroma drifting from the kitchen as a pot of something special simmered away. When I discovered this easy weeknight dinner recipe, it felt like that same warmth had found its way back into my kitchen.
Trust me, you’ll want to pin this one for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a Bowl: This dish is the perfect blend of flavors and textures—a creamy sauce clinging to perfectly al dente pasta, juicy chicken, and bright green broccoli.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal solution for a busy weeknight.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the fun bowtie pasta and flavorful chicken.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Shareable and Scalable: Great for family dinners or gatherings, you can easily double the recipe for a crowd.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli:
- 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
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 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 whip up this cozy dish? Follow these simple steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sumptuous sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs sprinkled on top.
Delicious Variations to Try
If you’re looking to mix things up, here are some fun ways to customize your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken:
- Swap the Chicken: Use shrimp or a mix of your favorite vegetables for a delightful vegetarian version.
- Extra Zesty: Add a splash of your favorite vinegar for a tangy twist.
- Indulgent Toppings: Consider adding crispy bacon or turkey bacon crumbles on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil or dill for a fragrant twist.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips:
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, then reheat when ready to serve.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use frozen broccoli instead of fresh, just toss it in the boil with the pasta for convenience.
- Opt for Fresh Pasta: If you have access to fresh pasta, it cooks even faster and adds an extra touch of deliciousness.
- Store Leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with added water or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
Nutrition Information per Serving
For those conscious of their nutrition, here’s a quick breakdown:
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 670
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 32g
- Protein: 38g
- Sodium: 500mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about a few things regarding this creamy delight? Here are some frequently asked questions:
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat just before serving.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they will last for up to 3 days.
- How long does it last? Most cooked dishes can stay fresh in the fridge for about three days, so enjoy them during the week!
Wrapping It Up
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is an invitation to sit down, relax, and savor a hearty meal that warms your heart. With its creamy sauce and vibrant flavors, it’s a recipe that reminds us of the joy found in simple yet delicious food.
Save this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli to your dinner ideas board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat, just like the one you’d find on your grandma’s table!
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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting plate of creamy bowtie pasta topped with golden chicken and vibrant broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights.
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
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sumptuous sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs sprinkled on top.
Notes
You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance. Use frozen broccoli for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: pasta, chicken, weeknight dinner, creamy sauce, easy recipe