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Garlic Cowboy Butter Bowtie Pasta with Chicken

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A quick and comforting dish featuring bowtie pasta, seasoned chicken, and a rich cowboy butter sauce with garlic and lemon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  • 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Season the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt and black pepper to taste. Toss until evenly coated.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
  4. Make the cowboy butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add unsalted butter. Scrape any browned bits into the butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Add parsley and chives, then season to taste.
  5. Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually to reach a silky consistency. Stir in grated Parmesan until creamy.
  6. Serve: Divide among bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Enjoy hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning for better browning. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta, chicken, cowboy butter, garlic, Cajun seasoning

Find it online: https://swifttasty.com/garlic-cowboy-butter-pasta-bowtie-chicken/