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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

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A bright, comforting weeknight meal balancing rich, savory butter sauce with a lively lemon lift, featuring tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and fresh 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. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken and other ingredients. Steam or blanch the broccoli in the boiling pasta water for 2 minutes, drain, and set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken in a single layer, seasoned with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same skillet and stir in the Dijon, lemon juice and zest, and Parmesan until smooth. Adjust the sauce with reserved pasta water if it becomes too thick, adding a tablespoon at a time.
  5. Add the drained pasta and blanched broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the lemon butter sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet and mix until heated through.
  6. Stir in the chopped parsley and chives. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.

Notes

Using room temperature chicken ensures more even cooking. Grate Parmesan from a wedge for better melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy chicken, lemon chicken, weeknight dinner, comfort food

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