Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful, creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken bites meet a zesty lemon butter sauce, fresh herbs, and tender broccoli for a balanced and 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. In 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 black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. 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, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce, adding 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 pasta warm, topped with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Swap broccoli for asparagus or green beans for a different green vegetable.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for more depth of flavor.

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 creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 50 reviews

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a vibrant, flavorful one-pan dish combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with al dente bowtie pasta and fresh broccoli. Tossed in a rich lemony butter sauce with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, it offers a perfect balance of zesty, savory, and creamy flavors for a comforting yet bright meal.

Author: Dana
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 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

Sauce and Cooking

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

Pasta and Vegetables

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

Finishing

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 final 3 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli together. Set aside.
Season and Cook Chicken: In a bowl, toss the 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 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Add chopped parsley and chives, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss Together: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce needs thinning. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
Serve: Serve the dish warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Notes

For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
Make sure to not overcook the broccoli; it should be tender-crisp for the best texture.
Reserved pasta water helps to bind and loosen the sauce; add gradually to control consistency.
This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

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