Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a zesty lemon butter sauce, tossed with bowtie pasta and fresh broccoli for a delightful dinner the whole family will enjoy.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 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 the 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. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in the chopped parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Step 5: Serve the dish warm with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Tips & Variations

For a milder spice, omit the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the Cajun seasoning.
You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like asparagus or green beans if preferred.
Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried parsley and chives can be used in a pinch.
To make it creamier, add a splash of heavy cream when stirring in the Parmesan.

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, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture if the pasta seems dry.

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 rigatoni works well with this recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free unless you use gluten-free pasta. Make sure to choose a gluten-free bowtie pasta to adapt it accordingly.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 249 reviews

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and vibrant skillet dish that combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, crisp broccoli florets, and a rich, zesty lemon butter sauce. Enhanced with garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a perfect balance of creamy and tangy notes, ideal for a comforting yet refreshing weeknight dinner.

Author: Ella
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

Chicken and Seasoning

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

Sauce and Herbs

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

Pasta and Vegetables

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 Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli. Set aside.
Season and Cook Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in fresh parsley and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss Together Pasta, Chicken, and Broccoli: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat with the lemon butter sauce. Add the reserved pasta water gradually as needed to loosen the sauce and make it creamy. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken warm, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese, additional fresh parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.

Notes

For an extra kick, do not skip the crushed red pepper flakes or adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.
Reserve the pasta water carefully—it helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Fresh herbs like parsley and chives are essential for freshness; dried herbs won’t provide the same bright flavor.
If Parmesan cheese is not available, Pecorino Romano can be used as an alternative.

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