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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

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A lively weeknight meal that combines bright citrus, savory butter, and a hint of Cajun heat with tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli in a glossy lemon-Parmesan 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
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken, broccoli, herbs, and sauce ingredients.
  3. Steam the broccoli in the boiling pasta water for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  4. Add olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until golden.
  5. Remove the chicken and keep warm. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter.
  6. Whisk in Dijon, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan until smooth, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
  7. Add the pasta and broccoli back to the skillet, along with the chicken. Toss everything together and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for better browning. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. This dish does not freeze well once combined.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Butter, Lemon Chicken, Pasta, Broccoli, Quick Dinner

Find it online: https://swifttasty.com/cowboy-butter-bowtie-chicken-broccoli-2/