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Creamy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken That Melts Hearts

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A comforting, slightly spicy pasta dish with tender chicken, lemon butter sauce, and a fresh herb finish.

  • Author: daniel-kim
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Searing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Dairy-free option available

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz Bowtie Pasta (Can be substituted with penne or rotini.)
  • 1 lb Chicken Breast (Trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces.)
  • 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (Adjust according to spice tolerance.)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Can use any neutral cooking oil.)
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (Use plant-based butter for dairy-free.)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (Minced, fresh is best.)
  • 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard (Mustard powder can be substituted.)
  • 1 lemon Lemon Juice & Zest (Lime juice is a good alternative.)
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Parsley & Chives (Chopped, or use dried herbs in smaller amounts.)
  • 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast for dairy-free option.)
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets (Snap peas or green beans can substitute.)

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces, zest and juice the lemon, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley and chives.
  2. Cook the pasta: Add the bowtie pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  3. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  4. Sear the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, then the seasoned chicken. Cook until golden, about 4 to 6 minutes. Remove and keep warm.
  5. Make the cowboy butter base: Reduce heat, add unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  6. Build the sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice to create a silky base.
  7. Add broccoli and herbs: Sauté broccoli florets until bright green and slightly tender, then stir in half the chopped parsley and chives.
  8. Finish the sauce with cheese: Lower heat, return the chicken and pasta to the skillet, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and toss gently. Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water as needed.
  9. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust with Cajun seasoning, garnish with remaining parsley and chives, and serve warm.

Notes

Best served immediately. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze without broccoli for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daytasty.com/creamy-cowboy-butter-bowtie-chicken-melts-hearts/