Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken served with broccoli and lemon slices

Why Make This Recipe

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a flavorful buttery sauce. This recipe is a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something tasty and satisfying without too much fuss. With its rich flavors of garlic, lemon, and herbs, it not only pleases the palate but also fills your home with delightful aromas. Plus, the combination of pasta and veggies means you get a balanced meal all in one dish!

How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

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

Directions:

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 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
Stir in the red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
Return the chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve warm with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Serve this delicious dish warm, garnished with fresh parsley and chives. You can pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread on the side for a complete meal. The extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese right before serving adds a nice touch and extra flavor.

How to Store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It makes for easy reheating the next day. Just remember to gently reheat over low heat on the stovetop to preserve the creamy texture of the sauce. You can also add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick when reheating.

Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

If you want a bit more heat, adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your taste.
For a varied flavor, you can substitute the Cajun seasoning with Italian seasoning or your favorite spice blend.
Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; it should be vibrant and slightly crunchy for the best texture.

Variation

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Just season them similarly and pan-fry until crispy. You can also use other types of pasta instead of bowtie, such as penne or farfalle.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well too! Just add it to the boiling pasta for the last few minutes of cooking.

2. Is it okay to skip the Cajun seasoning?
Absolutely! You can either omit it or use another seasoning blend you prefer.

3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free butter and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is an easy and tasty meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea or a dish that impresses, this recipe fits the bill. For more delicious variations, check out this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe, or explore another flavorful option with this Lemon Chicken with Broccoli & Bow Ties Recipe by Ina Garten. Enjoy your cooking!