Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
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.
- 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
