Imagine a delectable fusion of bold flavors and tender textures – that’s exactly what you’ll find in our “Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli” recipe. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the juicy goodness of chicken, the nutritional punch of broccoli, and the comforting embrace of bowtie pasta, all coated in a rich and creamy cowboy butter sauce. It’s a weeknight dinner that’s sure to have your family eagerly anticipating the meal ahead.

Table of Contents

The Ingredients That Make This Dish Shine

At the heart of this recipe are a few key ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors:

Bowtie Pasta: Also known as farfalle, this unique pasta shape not only adds visual appeal but also provides the perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce to cling to.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: A versatile protein that cooks up tender and juicy, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, broccoli adds a delightful crunch and a nutritional boost to the dish.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the chicken, this essential ingredient helps to lock in flavor and create a perfect sear.
Unsalted Butter: The star of the “cowboy butter” sauce, this rich and creamy ingredient adds an indulgent touch to the dish.
Garlic: Aromatic and flavorful, garlic is a crucial component in the sauce, infusing the dish with its signature taste.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but a pinch adds a subtle kick of heat to balance the richness of the dish.
Dijon Mustard: Lending a depth of flavor, the Dijon mustard helps to round out the sauce’s profile.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the creaminess.
Chicken Broth: Enhancing the sauce and adding moisture, the broth helps to create a cohesive, velvety texture.
Heavy Cream: Transforming the sauce into a luxurious, indulgent treat, the cream lends a rich, creamy mouthfeel.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty flavor and a delightful creaminess to the final dish.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley serves as a fresh, aromatic garnish, bringing a pop of color and herbaceous flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfection

Follow these simple steps to create a delectable “Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli” dish:

Cook Pasta & Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then set them aside.

Cook Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Make Cowboy Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat in the skillet to medium. Melt the butter, then add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.

Make It Creamy

Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli, tossing everything to coat evenly in the creamy cowboy butter sauce.

Finish with Fresh Parsley

Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

To ensure your “Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli” is an absolute hit, consider these helpful tips:

Cook the pasta al dente: Boil the pasta for the recommended time on the package, ensuring it retains a slightly firm texture that won’t get mushy when tossed in the sauce.
Achieve the perfect chicken sear: Make sure to pat the chicken pieces dry before cooking to help them brown beautifully in the skillet.
Customize the spice level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat, or omit them entirely for a milder version.
Experiment with variations: Try substituting different types of pasta, such as penne or linguine, or swap in different proteins like shrimp or Italian sausage.

Nutritional Information

A serving of “Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli” (approximately 1 1/2 cups) provides approximately 510 calories, 30 grams of protein, 40 grams of carbohydrates, and 27 grams of fat. The dish is a balanced meal, offering a good source of lean protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the pasta, and essential vitamins and minerals from the broccoli. To make the dish even healthier, you can opt for low-fat or non-dairy alternatives for the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.

Pairing Suggestions

To complement the flavors of the “Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli,” consider serving it with any of the following side dishes:

Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky bread pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta dish.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh, light salad with a zesty vinaigrette dressing can help balance the richness of the main course.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus would make a delightful accompaniment.

As for beverages, a crisp white wine or a refreshing non-alcoholic option like sparkling water or lemonade would be excellent choices to complement the dish.

FAQs

Can I customize the spice level in Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli?

Yes, you can easily customize the spice level to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the red pepper flakes entirely or reduce the amount used. For those who enjoy a bit more heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce. Additionally, you can experiment with other spices, such as cayenne pepper or paprika, to enhance the dish according to your preferences.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli?

This dish pairs well with several side options that complement its flavors. Consider serving garlic bread for a classic touch, or a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. Roasted vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, can also enhance the meal with added nutrition and color. For a more substantial side, consider a creamy coleslaw or a quinoa salad.

How can I make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew cream, which will maintain the creamy texture. For the unsalted butter, use a dairy-free butter substitute or olive oil to sauté the garlic and incorporate flavor. Additionally, ensure any added cheese is replaced with a dairy-free cheese option or simply omitted for a lighter version.

What kitchen tools do I need to prepare Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli?

To prepare this dish, you will need several essential kitchen tools. A large pot is necessary for boiling the pasta and broccoli, while a large skillet or frying pan is ideal for cooking the chicken and making the sauce. A colander will help drain the pasta, and a spatula or wooden spoon is useful for mixing ingredients in the skillet. Lastly, having a sharp knife and cutting board will aid in chopping ingredients like garlic and parsley.

Conclusion

Indulge in the delightful flavors of “Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli” and enjoy a satisfying, weeknight meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its creamy, zesty sauce, tender chicken, and nutrient-packed broccoli, this dish is a well-balanced and utterly crave-worthy culinary experience. Give it a try, and let us know how you and your loved ones enjoyed this delectable creation!

Looking for more visual inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest, where I share new recipes, dinner tips, and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments every week. Buon appetito!

Enjoy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Tonight!

Author: Sofia Rojas
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful fusion of bold flavors and tender textures, combining juicy chicken, nutritious broccoli, and comforting bowtie pasta in a rich cowboy butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounce bowtie pasta
2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cup broccoli florets
2 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then set them aside.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Reduce the heat in the skillet to medium. Melt the butter, then add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.

4. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli, tossing everything to coat evenly in the creamy cowboy butter sauce.

6. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.

Notes