Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli: A Cozy Weeknight Dinner
As the crisp autumn air sweeps through, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, creamy pasta dish to whisk you away from the stress of the day. Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful mix of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and vibrant broccoli, all coated in a luxuriously creamy, buttery sauce. This recipe, reminiscent of family dinners around the kitchen table, is just the kind of hug-in-a-bowl you’ll be craving. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration, embodying the essence of comfort food. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone will love this dish, from picky eaters to adventurous palates.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Impress your friends or family with this flavorful and hearty meal.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with protein, fiber, and fresh veggies, it’s a nutritious choice.
- Creamy Comfort: The rich buttery sauce combined with zesty lemon is utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
To whip up this cozy dish, gather the following simple 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)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make it together and enjoy the process!
Preparation: Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
Cooking Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. If you love a bit of heat, now is the time to add crushed red pepper flakes! Mix well until combined.
Combining Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, along with the cooked chicken. Stir in the reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan cheese, adjusting the sauce consistency as needed. Toss everything together gently until well coated. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and chives.
Serve: Dish up this cozy dinner, topping each plate with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy each bite while marveling at the burst of flavors!
Variations & Creative Twists
Feel free to get creative with this cozy dish! Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
- Add a Crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs for an added layer of texture.
- Creamy Spin: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
- Zesty Twist: Swap in lime juice and zest for a fresh and tangy flavor profile.
- Protein Options: Substitute the chicken with shrimp or even chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian take.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: Prep the chicken and sauce a day in advance, then simply toss everything together on the night of serving.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use whole wheat pasta or any shape you prefer. Spinach or green beans work beautifully instead of broccoli.
- Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of reserved pasta water for creaminess.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance to save time on a busy weeknight!
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap out veggies or proteins based on what you have on hand.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- How long does it last? Leftovers will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Wrapping It Up
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your home with delightful aromas. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a cozy experience meant to be shared, savored, and cherished. Save this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli to your comfort food board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy your culinary adventure!
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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A warm, creamy pasta dish with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luxuriously buttery sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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)
Instructions
- Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired, and mix well until combined.
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, along with the cooked chicken. Stir in the reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan cheese, adjusting the sauce consistency as needed. Toss everything together gently until well coated. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and chives.
- Dish up this cozy dinner, topping each plate with extra Parmesan if desired. Enjoy each bite while marveling at the burst of flavors!
Notes
Make ahead by prepping the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
