Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
A delightful fusion of flavors awaits you with this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. This dish encapsulates the essence of summer dinners, infusing a zesty twist to a comforting classic with a distinct cowboy flair. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken harmoniously combined with al dente bowtie pasta and vibrant green broccoli, all coated in a sumptuous buttery sauce that will have your taste buds dancing.
Creating this culinary masterpiece is a straightforward yet rewarding endeavor. The combination of Cajun seasoning and the brightness of lemon elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients, making it both delicious and satisfying. With an easy-to-follow process, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Why make this recipe
The charm of Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli lies not just in its mouthwatering taste, but also in its versatility. This dish can easily adapt to suit various dietary preferences while remaining rich in flavor. The earthy spices combined with the tangy lemon zest provide a delightful contrast that excites the palate. Not to mention, the vibrant colors of broccoli and golden chicken make this dish a feast for the eyes.
Additionally, preparing this dish encourages creativity. You can adjust the level of spices based on your preference, or even incorporate different vegetables if you wish. Furthermore, this recipe introduces a perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, ensuring a nutritious meal that the whole family will love. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you want to prepare something quick yet flavorful.
How to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
To begin this culinary adventure, gather all your ingredients and set aside some time to prepare this dish, as the results will keep you coming back for more. Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, you can multitask by preparing the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy an extra kick. Sauté the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through.
Once the chicken is done, it’s time to transition to creating the luscious cowboy butter sauce. Lower the heat and add in the unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Allow the ingredients to melt together and create a creamy, velvety sauce that will coat the chicken beautifully. As you stir, don’t forget to check on your pasta; if it’s ready, drain it while reserving a half cup of the starchy pasta water. The reserved water is key to adjusting the consistency of your sauce, making it cohesive with the pasta.
Next, add the cooked pasta, broccoli florets, and Parmesan cheese into the skillet with the chicken and cowboy butter sauce. Toss everything together to ensure that the pasta and broccoli are well-coated in that indulgent sauce. Adjust the consistency as needed with the reserved pasta water, and finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and chives for a burst of freshness. Take a moment to savor the delicious aroma as everything melds together, and get ready to enjoy a rewarding meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 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)
- 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)
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Lower the heat, add butter, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest to the skillet. Stir until melted and combined. Add pasta, broccoli, and Parmesan cheese, tossing to coat. Adjust with reserved pasta water as needed.
Time Breakdown
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
How to serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
When it comes to serving Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli, presentation is key. This dish can be plated in several ways to enhance its appeal. Start by placing a generous scoop of the buttery chicken and pasta mixture in the center of a wide, shallow bowl. The colorful pasta, glistening chicken, and vibrant green broccoli create an eye-catching display. For added flair, you can finish with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan on top and a few fresh herb leaves for color.
Pair the meal with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete your dinner spread. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the sauce, while crusty artisan bread is perfect for mopping up the leftover butter sauce. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water can also elevate the meal, especially on warm evenings or when you’re entertaining guests.
How to store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Storing Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is simple and ensures that you can enjoy the leftovers for days. Start by allowing the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps to maintain freshness and prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to soggy leftovers. If stored properly in the fridge, it should keep well for up to three days.
If you wish to freeze the dish, you can do so as well. Divide it into portion-sized containers, making it easy to heat up just what you need. Freeze for up to two months, keeping in mind that the texture of the broccoli may change once thawed. To reheat, you can use a microwave or stovetop. Adding a splash of water or a bit of extra butter helps restore moisture and creaminess.
Tips to make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
To elevate your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli, consider a few strategic tips. When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of browning. Achieving that golden crust enhances flavor and improves texture. Marinating the chicken in the Cajun seasoning for even just half an hour before cooking can infuse extra depth of flavor.
Adjust the heat level to suit your preferences; if you enjoy a bit more spice, increase the Cajun seasoning or add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Experiment with incorporating other vegetables to the mix, like bell peppers or snap peas, for added color and nutrition. You could also consider adding nuts, such as pine nuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the buttery sauce.
Variation
No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Protein: 38 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fat: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of bowtie pasta?
A: Yes, whole wheat pasta is a great alternative that adds more fiber and nutrition to your dish.
Q: Can I substitute the chicken for a vegetarian option?
A: Absolutely! You can use firm tofu or a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian take.
Q: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: To make it dairy-free, swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and omit the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free cheese.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking chicken
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning Adjust according to spice preference
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Optional for an extra kick
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter For the sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water To adjust sauce consistency
For Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cooking Chicken
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cook chicken until golden and cooked through.
Making the Sauce
- Lower the heat, add butter, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest to the skillet.
- Stir until melted and combined.
- Add pasta, broccoli, and Parmesan cheese, tossing to coat.
- Adjust with reserved pasta water as needed.
