Introduction

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish that combines tender Cajun-spiced chicken with bright lemony butter sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe brings together the zest of fresh herbs and the richness of Parmesan for a satisfying meal.

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. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup of the 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 pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the 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 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in the chopped parsley and chives. Season 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 the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.
Step 5: Serve the dish warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the Cajun seasoning.
Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat.
Add cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for extra veggies and flavor.
Use gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Freshly grate Parmesan for better melting and taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of bowtie?

Yes, this recipe works well with most short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure pasta is al dente.

Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat from Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. You can reduce or omit these spices to suit your taste.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 93 reviews

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a vibrant, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and fresh broccoli, all tossed in a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce infused with herbs and Parmesan cheese. This recipe combines bold spices with creamy textures for a hearty, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Author: Zane
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
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

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

Pasta and Vegetables

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Cheese

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, about 10-12 minutes. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and broccoli; then set aside.
Season and Cook Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare 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, being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add chopped parsley and chives, season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well to combine all the flavors.
Toss Pasta, Chicken, and Broccoli: Return the cooked bowtie pasta, broccoli florets, and chicken to the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. Toss everything together to evenly coat in the sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and create a creamy consistency. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and an additional squeeze of lemon juice if desired. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or include a dash of hot sauce in the butter sauce.
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta.
Fresh herbs brighten the flavor of the sauce; if unavailable, dried parsley and chives can be used, but reduce quantities accordingly.
Reserve pasta water is important to adjust the sauce consistency and help emulsify the sauce to better coat the ingredients.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Cowboy Butter, Lemon Chicken, Bowtie Pasta, Broccoli, Cajun Chicken, Garlic Butter Sauce, One Pan Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meal