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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

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A bright, buttery weeknight dish balancing zesty lemon, savory Parmesan, and Cajun spice with tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli.

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 and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, zest and juice the lemon, and chop the parsley and chives.
  3. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets in the boiling pasta water for 2 minutes, then drain.
  4. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and the seasoned chicken. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  5. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter, stirring to deglaze the pan. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  6. Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and combine.
  7. Stir in the chopped parsley and chives, taste for salt and pepper, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top if desired.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry for better browning and reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy butter, chicken, bowtie pasta, broccoli, weeknight dinner, easy recipe

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