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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Savor Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Tonight

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a quick and customizable one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Substitute with chicken thighs for more flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne if unavailable.
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Forms the base of the cowboy butter sauce.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Freshly minced for aromatic depth.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard Adds mild tanginess to the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Brightens the dish.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Essential for flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Provides freshness and color.
  • 2 tablespoons Chives Enhance the presentation.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional; adjust for your preferred level of heat.
For the Pasta & Veggies
  • 8 ounces Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta Can be swapped with other pasta shapes.
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets Adds nutrients and texture; substitute with asparagus or zucchini for variety.
For Serving
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Perfect for topping.
  • 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water Important for sauce consistency.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, toss in fresh broccoli florets. Once done, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together, setting them aside for later.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then place them in the skillet. Sauté for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt unsalted butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest to create a zesty cowboy butter lemon sauce. Mix in chopped parsley and chives for added flavor.
  4. Return the sautéed chicken to the skillet with the sauce, adding the cooked pasta and broccoli. Toss gently until everything is well-coated with the cowboy butter lemon sauce. If the mixture seems dry, gradually stir in reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired sauce consistency.
  5. Once combined, sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy throughout the dish. Plate your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli, garnishing with additional Parmesan and freshly chopped herbs. Serve immediately to enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream for a richer dish or store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

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