Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal. Tender pieces of Cajun-seasoned chicken and crisp broccoli combine with bowtie pasta in a rich, buttery lemon sauce, finished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.

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 black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add 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. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat with the butter sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Step 5: Serve the dish warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
Swap bowtie pasta for penne or rotini if preferred; just adjust cooking times as needed.
Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Use Greek yogurt or sour cream stirred in at the end for a creamy tangy twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well for a quick meal later.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great and add extra juiciness. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

What can I substitute for fresh herbs if I don’t have any?

Dried parsley and chives can be used in a pinch; use about one-third the amount since dried herbs have a stronger flavor.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 95 reviews

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a vibrant, flavorful one-pan dish combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, fresh broccoli, and a luscious lemon-butter sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying weeknight meal that balances spice, zest, and creaminess in every bite.

Author: zara
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 and Meat

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 Ingredients

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 according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
Season and Cook Chicken: In a bowl, combine 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 seasoned 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.
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce 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 crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in the chopped parsley and chives. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. Toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a creamy consistency. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Serve: Plate the dish warm, topping with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

For extra heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Reserve pasta water is key for making the sauce creamy and helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs will change the taste profile.
Parmesan cheese adds a savory umami note but can be omitted or substituted with a vegan cheese alternative for dietary needs.

Keywords: Lemon Butter Chicken, Cajun Chicken, Bowtie Pasta, Broccoli Pasta, One Pan Dinner, Quick Chicken Dinner