Description
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli, all doused in a rich Cowboy Butter sauce infused with zesty lemon.
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 (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 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 the sauce consistency)
Instructions
- Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Salt the water generously for extra flavor.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken and season it with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet, letting it melt and bubble. Add the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest while stirring until combined and glossy.
- Reduce the heat and return the chicken to the skillet. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for a couple of minutes until they brighten in color.
- Mix in the cooked bowtie pasta with the reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese. Toss until everything is well coated and flavors meld together. Top with chopped parsley and chives before serving.
Notes
For a healthier twist, feel free to swap the pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options. Customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 605
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken, pasta, cowboy butter, lemon, broccoli, comfort food