Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and crisp broccoli are tossed with pasta in a zesty, buttery lemon sauce that’s both creamy and fresh. It’s a delicious dish that comes together quickly with simple ingredients.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust according to spice preference)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
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
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
6 tbsp unsalted butter (for the sauce)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli and set aside.
Step 2: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Mix in the chopped parsley and chives, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Return the pasta, broccoli, and cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 7: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce turns creamy and well combined.
Step 8: Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce Cajun seasoning.
Swap broccoli for asparagus or green beans for a different vegetable twist.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the Parmesan.
Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can be used in place of parsley and chives for varied flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will work well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times as needed to reach al dente.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice by reducing or omitting these ingredients to suit your taste.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 132 reviews

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender pieces of Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and crisp broccoli florets tossed in a rich, lemony butter sauce enhanced with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make dish balances spicy, tangy, and creamy notes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (Adjust according to spice preference)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil (For cooking chicken)

Pasta and Vegetables

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups broccoli florets

Sauce and Garnish

6 tbsp unsalted butter (For the sauce)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (To adjust sauce consistency)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Plus extra for topping)

Instructions

Preparation: Gather and prep all ingredients. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Add bowtie pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli. Set aside.
Season Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken pieces for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in chopped parsley and chives. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Ingredients: Return pasta, broccoli, and cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything well to coat evenly. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Finish with Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and clings to all ingredients.
Serve: Plate the dish warm, topping with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and an optional squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
Reserve pasta water is important to adjust sauce consistency and help it adhere to pasta and chicken.
Fresh herbs like parsley and chives brighten the dish and provide fresh flavor contrast to the rich butter sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting the bowtie pasta with a gluten-free alternative.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: Chicken, bowtie pasta, broccoli, lemon butter sauce, Cajun seasoning, quick dinner, stovetop recipe, creamy pasta dish