Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
As the leaves begin to change and the crispness of autumn fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of a home-cooked meal to bring comfort to our souls. When I think of cozy evenings spent with loved ones, a plate of Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli comes to mind; it’s a dish that fills the air with an aroma so enticing you can’t resist being drawn into the kitchen. Creamy, zesty, and downright comforting, this delightful recipe is the perfect easy weeknight dinner to whip up when you need something satisfying without too much fuss.
This is one 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.
- Comforting and creamy flavors that are sure to please the whole family.
- One-pot wonder—minimal dishes mean more time to enjoy your meal.
- Fresh ingredients like lemon and herbs brighten up your plate and palate.
- A satisfying blend of protein, veggies, and pasta for a wholesome meal.
What You’ll Need
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
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is where your pasta will cook! Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Remember to add the broccoli florets during the last three minutes of cooking for that perfect tender-crisp bite. Once done, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden-brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Let it foam and get all that residual flavor, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
If you like a touch of spice, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes along with the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together to fully coat with that delicious butter sauce. If it looks a bit dry, add the reserved pasta water as needed to create that creamy consistency.
Finally, stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts seamlessly into the mix. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and chives.
Variations & Creative Twists
- For a richer flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a zesty kick.
- Swap out the chicken for shrimp for a delightful seafood twist.
- Toss in extra seasonal veggies like bell peppers or asparagus for more color and crunch.
- Add a sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving for an extra pop of freshness.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can marinate the chicken in the Cajun seasoning and spices a few hours beforehand for deeper flavor!
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap the Cajun seasoning for Italian herbs if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Slicing Tricks: For even cooking, ensure your chicken pieces are roughly the same size when cutting them.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 700mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! The chicken can be marinated earlier in the day or even the night before.
Can I use different ingredients?
Certainly! Feel free to mix up the spices or use other pasta and veggies that you enjoy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
How long does it last?
Leftovers will be good for about 3 days when stored properly in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is more than just a dish; it’s a hug on a plate, bringing smiles and laughter around the dinner table. With its creamy goodness and vibrant flavors, it’s a recipe that thrives on simplicity while delivering comfort in every bite. Save this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli to your cozy weeknight meals board so it’s ready when you need a treat!
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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A creamy, zesty one-pot dish with chicken, broccoli, and bowtie pasta, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
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 the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets during the last three minutes of cooking.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken until golden-brown, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in the butter sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan, parsley, and chives.
Notes
For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in spices beforehand. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
