Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
A flavorful and easy one-pot meal combining chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh broccoli for a delightful dinner experience.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasoning
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning Adjust according to spice preference
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Optional
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil For cooking chicken
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter For the sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water To adjust sauce consistency
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. When the pasta is almost done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water for the last two minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli.
Cooking Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes or until it is golden brown and fully cooked through.
Making the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet with the chicken. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Allow the butter to melt and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Combining Ingredients
- Once the sauce is ready, add the drained bowtie pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta and broccoli are well coated in the sauce. Stir in the fresh parsley, chives, and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
Notes
For storage, allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.