Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken seasoned with Cajun spices is combined with vibrant broccoli and bowtie pasta, all tossed in a rich lemon butter sauce.

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

1. 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 before draining the pasta and broccoli. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 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.
4. Step 4: Return the pasta, broccoli, and cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in the lemon butter sauce, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
5. Step 5: Serve the dish warm, topped with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and an additional squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning.
• Swap broccoli for asparagus or green beans for a different vegetable twist.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can be used instead of parsley and chives for varied flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or shells, depending on your preference.

Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a mild to medium spice level from the Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat by reducing or omitting these ingredients.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 119 reviews

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful, creamy one-skillet dish combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and nutritious broccoli florets. Tossed in a luscious lemon butter sauce with garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of zesty, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, making it an easy and satisfying meal for weeknights or casual dinners.

• Author: Dylan
• 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 1x2x3x

Protein 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

Butter Sauce

• 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

Cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and broccoli. Set aside.
2. Season and Cook Chicken: In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: Using the same skillet, lower heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. 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 adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
4. Toss Pasta with Sauce and Chicken: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the lemon butter sauce. Add the reserved pasta water gradually as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a creamy consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until thoroughly combined and the sauce is creamy.
5. Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken warm. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and an additional squeeze of lemon juice if desired for added brightness and flavor.

Notes

• For a milder dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Use gluten-free pasta if you want to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Fresh herbs like parsley and chives add a bright flavor; feel free to substitute with basil or cilantro for a different twist.
• Reserved pasta water helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce; don’t skip this step.
• This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken, Bowtie Pasta, Lemon Butter Sauce, One Skillet Dinner, Cajun Chicken, Broccoli Pasta