Introduction

This Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Cowboy Butter is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and a zesty lemon butter sauce. With a hint of Cajun spice and fresh herbs, it’s an easy meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Cowboy Butter 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
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli together.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing well.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the lemon butter sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
Step 7: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet. Pour in the reserved pasta water and sprinkle grated Parmesan on top. Toss gently until everything is coated and the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
Step 8: Stir in chopped parsley and chives. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce.
Swap broccoli for asparagus or snap peas to vary the vegetable component.
Use skin-on chicken breasts for a juicier result, but be sure to cook thoroughly and remove skin before tossing with the pasta.
To make it gluten-free, substitute bowtie pasta with a gluten-free variety.
Adding a splash of white wine to the butter sauce adds depth and brightness to the flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or broth to revive the creamy sauce. Avoid microwaving for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Choose what you have on hand or prefer.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?

Yes, reserving pasta water helps create a smooth and creamy sauce by loosening it up and helping the cheese melt evenly.

Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Cowboy Butter Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 87 reviews

This Lemon Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Cowboy Butter is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and crisp broccoli florets all tossed in a zesty lemon butter sauce with garlic, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese. The combination of smoky spices and bright citrus, enhanced by a rich buttery sauce and fresh herbs, makes this recipe a quick and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

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 Pasta

6 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the chicken seasoning: In a bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Boil the pasta and broccoli: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli together.
Make the lemon butter sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add flavorings: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice, stirring to combine the sauce evenly.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the lemon butter sauce. Cook together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Add pasta and broccoli: Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Pour in reserved pasta water and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Toss and finish: Toss all ingredients gently until well combined and the cheese is melted, creating a creamy texture.
Add fresh herbs and season: Stir in chopped parsley and chives. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for garnish and added flavor.

Notes

For added heat, include the optional crushed red pepper flakes or increase amount to taste.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor results.
Reserve pasta water as it helps create the creamy sauce consistency.
You can swap broccoli with other quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus or green beans if preferred.
Ensure chicken is cut into uniform bite-sized pieces to cook evenly.

Keywords: lemon chicken pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, Cajun chicken pasta, creamy lemon butter sauce, easy weeknight dinner, chicken and broccoli pasta