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Delicious Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken served on a plate.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken

A hearty dish featuring chicken, bowtie pasta, and a zesty garlic butter sauce that is perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 lemon Juice and zest of
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping) Do not use fake parmesan.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set them aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it's golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if you’re feelin’ a little spice) and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, and then season with salt and pepper.
  4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta and broccoli. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
  5. Finally, stir in the Parmesan cheese, along with the chopped parsley and chives. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan on top if desired.

Notes

Do not skip resting the chicken for better flavor. Gradually add pasta water for best sauce consistency.