Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
A vibrant, mouth-watering dish combining succulent chicken, zesty lemon, and a rich buttery sauce served with bowtie pasta and broccoli.
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 1 pound Boneless skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces.
Starch/Pasta
- 8 ounces Bowtie pasta Cook according to package instructions.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning Adjust spice levels to your liking.
Liquids/Dairy
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter Do not let the butter burn.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced for flavor.
- 2 cups Broccoli florets Chop into uniform pieces.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice Zest the lemon before juicing.
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest Adds extra citrus essence.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley Chopped for garnish.
- 1 tablespoon Chives Chopped for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the bowtie pasta for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning, and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for about 4 minutes, until bright green and tender.
- Reduce heat to low, add the butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir until the butter melts and all ingredients are combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything to coat the pasta and chicken in the sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley and chives. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately, enjoying the vibrant flavors and aromas.
Notes
To enhance flavor, add a splash of white wine after sautéing the chicken. Consider adding alternative veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for customization. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch.