Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.

Nothing beats a dish that delivers comfort and flavor in one effortless swoop. Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli elevates your weeknight dinners into something extraordinary. With tender chicken pieces, zesty lemon, and a hint of Cajun spice, this dish brings a burst of flavor that both warms the heart and satisfies the palate.

Cooking this recipe feels like a culinary adventure. The robust flavors mingle beautifully, creating a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle. The jaw-dropping result? A dish that brings your family together and impresses your guests at any gathering.

Let’s dive into how to create this delectable meal, packed with savory ingredients and fresh veggies. This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli offers an unforgettable experience that anyone can recreate at home.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Fundamentals

At its core, Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli promises a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The bowtie pasta provides a fun shape while the chicken offers satisfying protein. The broccoli adds a vibrant green to the dish, making this meal not only delicious but also visually appealing.

The use of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika introduces a depth of flavor, balanced perfectly by the buttery sauce. The lemon juice and zest add a refreshing brightness to the dish, ensuring each bite remains lively and vibrant. This recipe hits all the right notes, making it a keeper for your weekly rotation.

Preparation/Setup

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. Prepping ahead ensures a smoother cooking experience. Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Measure out the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Chop the parsley and chives, and mince the garlic cloves to have everything ready to go when you need it.

The first step involves boiling salted water for the bowtie pasta. While that comes to a boil, season your chicken pieces in a bowl. This will allow the spices to infuse into the meat as you prepare other elements of the dish.

Ingredients

To create this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 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
• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. In the last 3 minutes, add the broccoli florets.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli; set aside.
4. In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
6. In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
7. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Mix in parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Add pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
9. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Technique

Creating a rich, flavorful sauce is crucial. The beauty of this Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli lies in the layering of flavors. Start by cooking the chicken until golden brown. This caramelization enhances the taste, making each piece more flavorful.

When sautéing garlic, be careful not to burn it. A gentle sauté will release its fragrant essence without turning bitter. Adding the minced garlic just before mixing in the butter creates a heavenly aroma in your kitchen.

Tips/Tricks

Make this recipe even easier by prepping ingredients in advance. You can marinate the chicken overnight with the spices. This deepens the flavor and makes the cooking process quicker on a busy night.

Feel free to customize the spice level. If you love heat, the crushed red pepper flakes are optional but highly recommended for an extra kick. For a milder version, simply leave them out.

If you don’t have bowtie pasta on hand, any pasta shape works well. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta used.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Perfecting Results

For creamy consistency, the reserved pasta water is your secret weapon. When mixing everything together, add it slowly to ensure a velvety texture. This water contains starch that helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta and chicken, enhancing the overall flavor.

Make sure not to overcook the broccoli. It should remain bright green and slightly crisp, providing a lovely contrast to the tender pasta and chicken. Cooking it for just the final three minutes of the pasta’s cooking time ensures it retains its color and texture.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add more reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Adjusting the heat can also help; too much heat can lead to a reduction that thickens the sauce unnecessarily.

For a different flavor profile, consider adding a splash of cream or substituting half the butter for olive oil. You can also swap the fresh herbs based on what’s available or in season, making this dish versatile for any occasion.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Serving/Presentation

To serve, plate the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli generously, ensuring each serving has a mix of chicken, pasta, and broccoli. Top with extra grated Parmesan cheese for a delightful finishing touch. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a vibrant pop of color.

You can serve this dish with a side salad for a more complete meal, allowing the flavors to complement each other beautifully.

Pairings/Storage

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli pairs excellently with crisp, fresh sides. Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad, or even garlic bread, to soak up the delicious sauce.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to revive the creamy texture if necessary.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli showcases the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create a stunning meal. The robust flavors, creamy sauce, and bright veggies blend together beautifully, making it a dish everyone will love. Enjoy this hearty, satisfying recipe that turns mealtime into a celebration of flavor, all achievable right from your kitchen.

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