Description
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and hearty one-pan dish combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and vibrant broccoli florets tossed in a rich lemon butter sauce with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make meal balances zesty citrus notes with savory spices and creamy textures, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (Adjust according to spice preference)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (For cooking chicken)
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (To adjust sauce consistency)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. In the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
- Season Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken with the seasonings.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the unsalted 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 chopped fresh parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything well to coat all ingredients evenly in the flavorful butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust the consistency of the sauce to your liking.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined. Serve the dish warm, topped with extra Parmesan, additional fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, increase the amount of butter and Parmesan cheese to suit your preference.
- Use gluten-free bowtie pasta for a gluten-free variation of this recipe.
- Be sure to toss the pasta and sauce quickly to prevent sticking.
- You can adjust Cajun seasoning to control the spice level.
- Fresh herbs like parsley and chives add brightness—feel free to substitute with your favorite fresh herbs.
Keywords: Cowboy Butter, Lemon Chicken, Bowtie Pasta, Broccoli, Cajun Chicken, Creamy Lemon Sauce