Description

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, bright lemon butter sauce, fresh herbs, and nutritious broccoli florets. The bowtie pasta is cooked al dente and tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with parmesan cheese, making it a comforting yet vibrant main course perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

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

Sauce and Herbs

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
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Vegetables

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups broccoli florets

Finishing Touches

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, approximately 10-12 minutes. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
Season and Cook Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to season evenly. 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 it aside.
Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted 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 fresh parsley and chives, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Toss Together: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken warm. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, additional fresh parsley, and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Notes

For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
If you prefer a lower-fat version, reduce the butter quantity or substitute with olive oil.
Fresh herbs like parsley and chives brighten the dish; don’t skip them.
Reserve pasta water is critical for adjusting sauce consistency and helping it cling to the pasta.
Chicken breasts can be substituted with thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken, Lemon Bowtie Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce, Broccoli Pasta Recipe