Description
A delightful dish that combines succulent chicken with bowtie pasta, rich cowboy butter, and a refreshing zing of lemon, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 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)
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions, tossing in the broccoli during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Drain and save 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden. Remove and let rest before slicing.
- Melt butter in the same skillet and sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until bubbling.
- Add sliced chicken, cooked pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water gradually until coated.
- Stir in Parmesan, parsley, and chives until cheese melts. Serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Notes
For a healthier version, consider air frying the chicken or adding seasonal vegetables. Reserve pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cowboy butter, lemon chicken, pasta, comfort food, easy dinner