This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe is a tasty and easy meal. It combines seasoned chicken, creamy butter sauce, refreshing lemon, and colorful broccoli. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish is not only delicious but also quick to prepare.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this recipe for a few reasons. First, it is simple and doesn’t require many ingredients. Second, the combination of Cajun-spiced chicken and fresh broccoli makes for a balanced meal. Finally, the buttery lemon sauce gives the dish a bright flavor that everyone will love.
How to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, seasoned with Cajun spices
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Directions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Add the broccoli florets in the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the Cajun-seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli in the skillet with the sauce, and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the pasta with sliced Cajun chicken on top and Parmesan cheese if desired.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Serve this dish on a large platter or individual plates. Make sure to put the pasta and broccoli first, then top it with sliced Cajun chicken. You can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Pair it with a nice green salad or some bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Then, put it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It should be good for about 3 days. When you want to eat it again, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.
Tips to Make Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
- Make sure to season the chicken well to enhance its flavor.
- You can add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach if you like.
- For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or some cream cheese.
Variation
You can switch out the bowtie pasta for another pasta shape like penne or fettuccine. If you want a different protein, shrimp or tofu can work well too. Try different spices for the chicken if Cajun seasoning is not available.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just add it to the pot with the pasta for the last 3 minutes as well.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add more Cajun spices or include red pepper flakes in the butter sauce for extra heat.
3. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe holds up well for meal prep. Just store the chicken, pasta, and broccoli separately to keep them fresh longer.
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, seasoned with Cajun spices
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 juice lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta and Broccoli
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions.
- Add the broccoli florets in the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the Cajun-seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Toss the cooked pasta and broccoli in the skillet with the sauce, and add salt and pepper to taste.
Serving the Dish
- Serve the pasta with sliced Cajun chicken on top and Parmesan cheese if desired.