Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

# Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli: A Flavorful Journey

## Introduction

Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m so glad you’ve arrived at BiteTide! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that embodies the joy of bold flavors and simplicity: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. Are you ready for a dish that’s going to become your new weeknight hero? 

Picture this: tender chicken pieces enriched with a buttery, zesty sauce that carries just the right hint of spice, all tossed with delightful bowtie pasta and vibrant broccoli florets. This dish brings a burst of flavor that makes those cozy family dinners even more special. The best part? It’s quick to whip up, so you can still enjoy that time with your loved ones—no more “dinner’s taking forever to cook!” rants.

As you gather around the dinner table, this dish will not only delight your taste buds but also stir up memories of heartfelt moments shared over delicious meals. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet fancy enough for weekend gatherings. Plus, it’s ready in about 30 minutes! Get your fork ready; we're diving into the culinary waves of flavors and memories together!

## Personal Story

Ah, Cowboys and Butter! It might sound like an odd combination, but let me take you back to a warm summer evening when I was a kid. Growing up in a small coastal town, our family often had BBQs in the backyard. The enticing aroma of grilled meats filled the air, mingling with laughter and cheerful chatter. One evening, my dad decided to make his famous cowboy butter—a magical concoction that took plain grilled steaks to another level.

He whipped it up effortlessly, tossing in herbs and spices with a flair that made it sing! As we slathered that utterly decadent butter over our grilled favorites, I realized that food can evoke so much joy. That’s where I discovered my passion for blending flavors and creating memorable dishes. Fast forward to today, and I’ve turned my childhood memories and adventures into kitchen experiments. This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken is a tribute to those cherished summer nights, the spirit of cowboy cooking, and the exhilarating joy of family meals around the table. Let’s recreate those delightful moments together in your kitchen!

## Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken. I’ve included handy tips and notes on each ingredient to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable!

- **1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts**: Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and perfect flavor absorption. If you prefer, swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier option.

- **12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta**: This pasta shape captures the sauce like a dream! If you want a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free pasta varieties.

- **2 cups broccoli florets**: Fresh broccoli adds a nutritious crunch! You can substitute with green beans or asparagus if you’re in the mood for a change.

- **1 tsp Cajun seasoning**: This spice is your flavor friend! Adjust it according to your spice tolerance—more for heat, less for a milder kick.

- **1/2 tsp garlic powder**: It’s the perfect way to infuse garlicky goodness without mincing! Fresh garlic works too—just use 2 cloves, minced.

- **1/2 tsp smoked paprika**: This adds a smokiness that amplifies the flavor landscape. Regular paprika works if you prefer it less smoky.

- **Salt and black pepper to taste**: Always season to your preference! Remember, you can adjust these while cooking to ensure the perfect balance.

- **1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)**: For those who like an extra heat punch, feel free to add more or skip it entirely!

- **1 tsp Dijon mustard**: This brings a delightful tang! If you don’t have Dijon on hand, yellow mustard can be used in a pinch.

- **Juice and zest of 1 lemon**: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish! Zest adds a pop of flavor—don’t skip it!

- **2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped**: Fresh herbs elevate any meal. Swap parsley for basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.

- **1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped**: These lend a mild onion flavor that complements the butter sauce.

- **2 tbsp olive oil**: A must for cooking that chicken perfectly! You can also use avocado oil if you prefer.

- **6 tbsp unsalted butter**: This is the star of the show, making sure your chicken is coated in rich, buttery goodness.

- **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)**: Adds a creamy, salty finish that ties everything together. Nutritional yeast works for a dairy-free alternative.

- **1/2 cup reserved pasta water**: This magic ingredient helps adjust the consistency of your sauce! Always save some before draining your pasta.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve got everything prepped, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create a dish that’ll leave everyone wanting seconds.

### Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the bowtie pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve that precious pasta water before draining!

**Chef's Tip**: Adding salt to your boiling water not only seasons your pasta but also enhances its flavor.

### Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli
While your pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes, just until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

**Chef's Hack**: If you’re short on time, you can steam the broccoli in the microwave! Just a couple of minutes in a covered bowl with a splash of water will do the trick.

### Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

**Tip**: Be patient while cooking! Give the chicken some space in the pan to get that nice sear before stirring. 

### Step 4: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and add in the butter to the skillet with the chicken, allowing it to melt and coat everything in a rich sauce. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.

**Chef Insight**: This butter sauce will thicken nicely, but if it's too thick, add in a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

### Step 5: Combine it All
Once the butter has melted and combined with the chicken, toss in the cooked bowtie pasta and sautéed broccoli. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring each piece of pasta and chicken is drenched in that delectable sauce. Add in the fresh parsley and chives just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

**Quick Tip**: Don’t be afraid to taste as you go! Adjust seasonings if needed until you get that flavor just right.

## Serving Suggestions

Now it’s time to plate up your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. Use a large serving bowl or individual plates, and use tongs to twirl the pasta into a pretty nest shape. Generously sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and a bit more fresh parsley or chives for that Instagram-worthy finish. Nutrition meets aesthetic appeal, right? Grab a beautiful fork, and dig in!

## Recipe Variations

Here are a few fun twists you can try with this recipe to keep it exciting:

1. **Add a Protein Kick**: Toss in some shrimp for a coastal twist or even beef strips for a heartier variation.

2. **Go Vegetarian**: Swap the chicken for extra veggies, like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, and use a plant-based butter and cheese to keep it creamy.

3. **Spice It Up**: If you love heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or swapping Cajun seasoning for chipotle powder for a smoky kick.

4. **Creamy Version**: Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative at the end for a creamy sauce.

5. **Herb Infusion**: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to see how they enhance the flavor profile.

## Chef’s Notes

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken has evolved over time, becoming a staple in my weekly meal rotation. I love how easy it is to customize it based on what I have on hand or what I’m in the mood for. Plus, this recipe has seen its fair share of kitchen mishaps – like the time I accidentally grabbed cayenne pepper instead of Cajun seasoning! It turned into a “very spicy chicken” night! Now, I always double-check my spice jars!

## FAQs and Troubleshooting

**1. What if the chicken is dry?**
Dry chicken usually means it was overcooked. Always aim for an internal temperature of 165°F and let it rest for a few minutes after cooking.

**2. Can I make this ahead of time?**
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, just be sure to store it separately. Reheat gently, adding a bit of reserved pasta water to bring it back to life!

**3. Can I freeze leftovers?**
Yes! Portion the leftovers into airtight containers and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

**4. My sauce is too thin. What can I do?**
If your sauce ends up too thin, simply simmer it on low for a few extra minutes to help it thicken. Adding grated cheese can also help.

## Nutritional Info

**Servings**: 4  
**Calories**: Approx. 600 per serving  
**Protein**: 35g  
**Carbohydrates**: 50g  
**Fat**: 25g  
**Sodium**: 800mg (varies based on seasoning)

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Thanks for joining me on this flavorful adventure! I can’t wait for you to try this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli. Let me know how it turns out, and feel free to share your own twists over on social media or in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

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• Author: islamerrick
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None specified

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Description

A flavorful dish featuring tender chicken in a rich butter sauce, tossed with bowtie pasta and broccoli.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and 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
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté broccoli in olive oil for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp; set aside.
3. In the same skillet, cook chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
4. Reduce heat and add butter, allowing it to melt; then stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
5. Toss in the cooked pasta and broccoli, mixing thoroughly with fresh parsley and chives before serving.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs for juiciness, and use gluten-free pasta if preferred.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: cowboy butter, chicken pasta, bowtie pasta, family dinner, quick recipe