There’s something wonderfully comforting about a dish that brings the family together around the dinner table, and my Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli does just that. Picture this: tender bowtie pasta cradled in a creamy sauce, infused with zesty lemon and the rich taste of Cajun-seasoned chicken, all while vibrant broccoli adds a splash of color and nutrition. It’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
After a long day of juggling work and errands, this recipe has transformed my weeknight meals from mundane to magnificent. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy dinner with the family or impressing guests with a quick yet elegant dish, this recipe offers a satisfying solution. Plus, it’s a delightful way to turn ordinary ingredients into something truly special, making even the most reluctant veggie lovers excited to dig in. Let’s dive into this adventure of flavors, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Why is Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli a must-try?
Deliciously balanced flavors: This dish beautifully blends zesty lemon, creamy sauce, and savory Cajun chicken, creating a flavor explosion with every bite.
Quick weeknight solution: Ready in just 30 minutes, it saves you time without sacrificing taste, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Vegetable appeal for all ages: With vibrant broccoli adding nutrition and color, even picky eaters will enjoy their greens.
Creative customization: Easily tweak the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or swapping out seasonings to suit your palate!
Perfect for family gatherings: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together at the table. Enjoy it alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread for an even heartier meal.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Chicken breasts – Provides protein and a savory base; consider using thigh meat for extra juiciness.
- Cajun seasoning – Introduces spice and flavor depth; adjust to taste for a milder profile.
- Salt & pepper – Essential for general seasoning; season generously for best flavor.
For the Pasta & Veggies
- Bowtie pasta – Serves as the main carbohydrate; can be substituted with gluten-free pasta if desired.
- Broccoli florets – Adds nutritional value and color; easily replace with bell peppers or spinach for variation.
For the Sauce
- Olive oil – Used for cooking the chicken; can substitute with vegetable oil if preferred.
- Unsalted butter – Key for a rich creamy sauce; feel free to increase for extra creaminess.
- Garlic powder – Enhances the aromatic profile; fresh garlic is a great substitute if you prefer a stronger taste.
- Smoked paprika – Infuses a warm, smoky flavor; can be replaced with regular paprika for a milder option.
- Dijon mustard – Adds tanginess to the sauce; yellow mustard works in a pinch.
- Lemon (juice & zest) – Provides bright acidity and freshness, essential for that Cowboy Butter Lemon flavor.
For Garnishing
- Fresh parsley & chives – Brightens the dish and adds herbal notes; other fresh herbs like basil can work too.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – Adds richness; nutritional yeast serves as a great dairy-free alternative.
Special Notes
- Reserved pasta water – Essential for adjusting sauce consistency; use if the sauce is too thick for your liking.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – Offers additional heat; omit for a milder version.
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli brings together these vibrant ingredients, ensuring a delightful experience for your family dinner!
How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
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Boil water: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Toss in the broccoli during the last 3 minutes, then reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
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Season chicken: While the pasta cooks, take your chicken breasts and season them generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat them evenly for full flavor.
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Sauté chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove and set aside.
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Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add garlic powder and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
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Combine flavors: Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Mix in the fresh parsley and chives, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Toss everything together: Return the cooked bowtie pasta, broccoli, and sautéed chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust consistency.
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Finish with cheese: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is creamy and everything is evenly coated. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese and parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon on top.
Optional: Top with additional crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli?
Looking to elevate your dinner experience? These delightful pairings will complement your meal beautifully and create a memorable dining affair!
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Crispy Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavors of this bread enhance the creaminess of the chicken dish while providing a satisfying crunch.
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Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette cleanses the palate and balances the rich flavors of the pasta.
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Roasted Asparagus: Tender, fragrant asparagus drizzled with olive oil complements the dish’s lemony zest, while adding a delightful crunchy texture.
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Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing dessert cleanses your palate after a hearty meal, echoing the bright lemon notes and leaving you with a taste of summer.
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Sparkling Lemonade: The fizz pairs nicely with the dish’s creamy elements, while its citrusy flavor brings out the lemony goodness, making each sip refreshing.
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Creamy Coleslaw: With its tangy dressing and crunchy cabbage, coleslaw provides a textural contrast that complements the tender pasta and chicken beautifully.
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Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory, stuffed mushrooms packed with cheese and herbs add a delightful umami flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the chicken dish.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, smoky corn adds a burst of summer flavor and a touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements of your meal.
Enjoy these pairing ideas and take your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli experience to the next level!
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Variations
Feel free to personalize this dish to make it your own, adding flavors that excite your taste buds!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta for a delicious alternative without losing flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Add zucchini or bell peppers for extra color, crunch, and nutrition to your meal. These vibrant veggies enhance both flavor and visual appeal!
- Dairy-Free: Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a rich, cheesy flavor that suits vegan diets perfectly. It adds depth without sacrificing creaminess.
- Spicy Kick: Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add jalapeños for a spicy twist that will awaken your palate and warm your heart.
- Italian Twist: Swap Cajun seasoning for Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a Mediterranean flair, transforming the dish’s flavor profile entirely.
- Herbed Delight: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or thyme instead of parsley and chives for unique taste sensations that keep each bite exciting.
- Creamy Variation: Use cream cheese or sour cream for an extra creamy sauce that adds a rich texture to every delicious forkful.
- Pasta Variety: Try fusilli or penne instead of bowtie pasta for a delightful change in texture that still lovingly holds the creamy sauce.
These creative variations can transform your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli into something new and exciting! Enjoy experimenting!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time on busy weeknights! You can season and sauté the chicken and prep the sauce up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring robust flavors. Simply store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and keep the sauce separate to maintain quality. The pasta and broccoli can be cooked and refrigerated for up to 3 days as well. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, add the cooked pasta and broccoli, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan. This method ensures a quick, hearty meal that remains just as delicious as when first made!
Expert Tips
- Creamier Sauce: To achieve a more luscious sauce, simply increase the unsalted butter and Parmesan cheese for richer flavor and texture.
- Cook Chicken Properly: Avoid overcooking the chicken to maintain its juicy texture; aim for golden brown and just cooked through for the best results.
- Pasta Perfection: Ensure your bowtie pasta is cooked al dente; this keeps it firm enough to hold up against the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
- Customize Veggies: Feel free to switch out broccoli for bell peppers or spinach; it’s a delightful way to introduce different flavors to your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli.
- Reserved Water Magic: Don’t skip reserving pasta water; it’s essential for adjusting sauce consistency, ensuring everything binds beautifully.
How to Store and Freeze Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days to keep the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli fresh and flavorful.
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Freezer: If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of reserved pasta water to maintain the creaminess of the sauce.
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Shelf Life: Avoid crunching on soggy or bland leftovers by consuming them promptly and following the recommended storage tips for the best taste experience.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing chicken breasts, look for ones that are firm, pink, and have no dark spots or bruising. Using chicken thighs can also be a fantastic option for extra juiciness. If you can, buy free-range or organic chicken for better flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
You can keep your Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, allow it to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli! I recommend cooling it down completely, then pack it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 1 month in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of reserved pasta water to bring back the creaminess.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
No worries at all! If your sauce ends up too thick, just add a bit of the reserved pasta water a little at a time while stirring until you reach your desired consistency. This will help to loosen the sauce without compromising on flavor!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Very much so! Simply substitute the bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just be sure to adjust cooking time as gluten-free pasta can vary in texture and cook time.
Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
It’s important to note that while this dish is delicious for humans, it contains ingredients like onion and garlic powder which can be harmful to pets. Additionally, if anyone has dairy or gluten allergies, be sure to use appropriate substitutes, such as dairy-free cheese or gluten-free pasta. Always check labels when buying pre-packaged ingredients!
Savory Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil water: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Toss in the broccoli during the last 3 minutes, then reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken: While the pasta cooks, take your chicken breasts and season them generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat them evenly for full flavor.
- Sauté chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add garlic powder and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
- Combine flavors: Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Mix in the fresh parsley and chives, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Toss everything together: Return the cooked bowtie pasta, broccoli, and sautéed chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust consistency.
- Finish with cheese: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is creamy and everything is evenly coated. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese and parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon on top.