Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

As the sun begins to dip behind the horizon, casting a golden glow over the evening sky, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aromas wafting from the kitchen to make a house feel like home. This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is not just a meal; it’s a heartfelt experience, infused with the zest of life and the warmth of my family’s dining table.

Every bite of tender chicken wrapped in silky buttery goodness, mingling with bowtie pasta and vibrant broccoli, has a way of sparking nostalgia and joy—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner when you want something truly satisfying and cozy. Imagine gathering around with your loved ones, laughter filling the air as you savor this creamy, indulgent dish. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to whip up in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
A creamy, zesty sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
Family-friendly flavors that both kids and adults will adore.
Vibrant colors from the broccoli make for a beautiful presentation.
An easy one-pot meal that minimizes cleanup—score!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Gather these simple ingredients to create a comforting masterpiece that warms the heart:

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! Follow these cozy steps to create your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli:

Preparation: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain and set aside, saving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Cooking Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Making the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt and become bubbly, then stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. If you like a little heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes now.
Combining Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta and broccoli. Mix everything together, and add the reserved pasta water little by little until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and chives just before serving.
Serve: Plate your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese.

Delicious Variations to Try

Explore these fun ways to customize your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli:

Add some crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful texture contrast.
Zesty twist: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or olives for an extra burst of flavor.
Creamy comfort: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese to amplify the creaminess of the dish.
Vegan option: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas and use olive oil instead of butter for a plant-based version.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Make-ahead advice: You can prep the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance to save time on busy evenings.
Ingredient swaps: Feel free to swap out the broccoli for your favorite veggies, like asparagus or spinach.
Storage suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen beautifully as they sit!
Slicing tricks: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 560
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugar: 2g
Fat: 29g
Protein: 34g
Sodium: 780mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead? Yes, you can prepare everything up to the point of combining the pasta and chicken, and then heat it up when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or even a vegetarian protein.
How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
How long does it last? Leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

A Cozy Closing Note

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is truly a recipe that embodies the spirit of family, comfort, and warmth. Its creamy sauce and delightful textures will remind you of cozy nights spent gathered around the dining table, sharing stories, laughter, and love. Save this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli to your comfort food board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking!

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

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Author: Chef Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

A comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and vibrant broccoli in a creamy, zesty sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

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 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
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

Prepare a large pot of salted water to boil. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside, saving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces and add to the skillet, cooking until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Reduce heat to low in the same skillet and add 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow to melt, then stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with drained pasta and broccoli. Mix, adding reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Stir in grated Parmesan, parsley, and chives before serving.
Plate the dish and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead options available by prepping chicken and chopping vegetables beforehand.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pot Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 560
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli