Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
