Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a vibrant, creamy pasta dish that combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, fresh broccoli, and a zesty lemon butter sauce. It’s a comforting yet fresh meal perfect for weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying.

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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes, add the broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and Dijon mustard. Add lemon juice and zest, then mix in parsley and chives. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Step 4: Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce and create a creamy texture. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly coats everything.
5. Step 5: Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest to brighten the rich butter sauce.
• Omit or reduce crushed red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
• Reserve some pasta water to help create a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to pasta.
• For a lighter version, reduce butter or replace a portion with olive oil.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensure even cooking and tender bites.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken and sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or penne rigate. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can use a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a similar flavor profile.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 142 reviews

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful, comforting one-pan dish combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, zesty lemon butter sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it balances savory spices with bright citrus notes and creamy Parmesan, delivering a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 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

For the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce:

• 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
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta & Veggies:

• 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)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water. Once done, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use, then drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and Dijon mustard. Next, add the lemon juice and zest, mixing well to combine. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and chives, seasoning the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Finish the Dish: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a creamy consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts evenly and coats all ingredients thoroughly.
5. Serve: Plate the pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, additional fresh parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Enjoy your flavorful Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli!

Notes

• Using fresh lemon juice and zest adds a bright citrus flavor that balances the richness of the butter sauce.
• The optional crushed red pepper flakes can be omitted for a milder dish or adjusted to your preferred spice level.
• Reserve some pasta water when draining to help create a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for even cooking and tender bites.
• For a low-fat variation, reduce butter slightly or substitute part of it with olive oil.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: cowboy butter chicken, lemon chicken pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, broccoli pasta, Cajun chicken recipe, one pan chicken dinner, creamy lemon butter sauce