Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken (Print Version)
Zesty chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli dressed in rich cowboy butter with fresh herbs and Parmesan.
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken and Pasta
01 -
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 -
12 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta
03 -
2 cups broccoli florets
→ Seasoning and Sauce
04 -
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
05 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 -
Salt, to taste
08 -
Black pepper, to taste
09 -
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
10 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 -
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
12 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
13 -
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
→ Cooking Oils and Dairy
14 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
15 -
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Garnish and Finish
16 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
17 -
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
# Steps:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain the rest, and set the pasta and broccoli aside.
02 -
In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to evenly season the chicken.
03 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
04 -
In the same skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add chopped parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
05 -
Return cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Gently toss with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached. Stir in grated Parmesan until the sauce is creamy and ingredients are well combined.
06 -
Transfer to serving plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice as desired. Serve immediately while warm.
# Notes:
01 -
If using pre-cooked or leftover chicken, add it with the pasta and broccoli when combining ingredients.