Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
A delightful and flavorful dish combining succulent chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and vibrant broccoli in a buttery lemon sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main 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
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Optional
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 each 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
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Cooking the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower the heat, and add butter. Once melted, whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Stir in eggs and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
Combining Ingredients
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add pasta, broccoli, chopped parsley, chives, and 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water.
- Toss everything together over low heat, adding more pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
Notes
To serve, plate the dish in colorful bowls and sprinkle with extra Parmesan. Pair with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad. For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.