Introduction
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, zesty lemon, and nutritious broccoli tossed with bowtie pasta all coated in a luscious, buttery sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe is quick and easy, allowing you to serve a wholesome meal on the table in no time. With its comforting flavors and simple technique, this dish appeals to picky eaters and adventurous palates alike. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just your family, this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe is a reliable choice for satisfying every appetite.
Why Make This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience: The entire meal is prepared in a single skillet and pot, reducing prep time and cleanup effort.
- Healthy Option: Incorporating chicken and broccoli provides a protein-packed dish full of vitamins and minerals.
- Easy Cleanup: Fewer dishes mean less hassle in the kitchen, making this recipe perfect for busy evenings.
- Family-Approved: The combination of flavors is guaranteed to please both kids and adults, making it a go-to option for family dinners.
- Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers can be stored and enjoyed later, perfect for meal prep.
Key Ingredient Benefit Spotlight
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein and essential nutrients.
- Broccoli: Rich in vitamins C and K, this vegetable adds color and nutrition.
- Lemon: Brightens the dish with acidity and freshness.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor, making the sauce indulgent yet balanced.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
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
- Juice and zest 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 extra for topping)
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. In the last 3 minutes, add broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Mix in parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Pair this dish with a light side salad or some crusty bread. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works well for family gatherings or cozy meals at home. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s as kid-friendly as it is appealing to parched palates.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to allow it to cool before placing it in freezer bags.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat on the stovetop to retain texture, adding a splash of water or broth if needed; however, it can also be microwaved.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
- Avoid Overcooking Chicken: Cook until just golden and no longer pink for the juiciest results.
- Layering Flavor: Don’t skip the garlic stage; sautéing it until fragrant elevates the dish considerably.
- Keep it Creamy: Adjust the pasta water to achieve your desired consistency when mixing in the cheese.
Variations
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or sturdy vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Add Heat: Include more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chipotle for a spicier kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta as a substitute for traditional bowtie pasta.
FAQs
- Can I freeze this recipe?
- Yes, you can freeze Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli for up to three months. Ensure it’s cooled before freezing, and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Is this recipe healthy?
- Absolutely! This dish features lean protein from chicken and plenty of broccoli, making it a nutritious meal option full of vitamins and minerals.
- Can I make it dairy-free or gluten-free?
- Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil and the cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative for a dairy-free version. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free adaptation.
Conclusion
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a delicious and practical meal that brings comfort and nourishment to any table. With easy prep and simple ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for busy nights or family gatherings. Bookmark this recipe for your next culinary adventure, and enjoy the delightful flavors that make this dish a family favorite!
Print
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A vibrant dish combining tender chicken, zesty lemon, and nutritious broccoli tossed with bowtie pasta in a buttery sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Juice and zest 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 extra for topping)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. In the last 3 minutes, add the broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Mix in parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg