Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken bites and crisp broccoli combine with a zesty lemon butter sauce over al dente bowtie pasta for a satisfying dish everyone will enjoy.

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 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 the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in the chopped parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Return the pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Step 5: Serve the dish warm, topped with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, omit the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the Cajun seasoning.
Swap chicken for shrimp or turkey for a different protein option.
Add a handful of cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for added color and sweetness.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta with broccoli separately and combine them with the sauce just before serving to keep everything fresh and maintain the best texture.

What can I substitute for fresh parsley and chives?

If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried parsley and chives, but add them earlier in the cooking process to allow their flavors to develop.