Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
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.
- 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
