Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a vibrant and comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned with Cajun spices and cooked to perfection, then tossed with bowtie pasta and crisp broccoli in a rich, lemony butter sauce. It’s an easy, flavorful meal that comes together quickly and satisfies the whole family.

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. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
Step 2: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat the 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 chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet over medium heat, 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, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything to coat well in the butter sauce, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to reach a creamy consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and creamy.
Step 5: Serve the dish warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and an extra squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Swap out broccoli for other vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or bell peppers to suit your preference.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the butter slightly or use olive oil instead.
Using fresh herbs like parsley and chives at the end really enhances the freshness and flavor – don’t skip them.

Storage

Store 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 use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any medium or short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni will work well in this dish.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the creamy sauce may separate after freezing. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and broccoli separately, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta and sauce.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 86 reviews

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful one-pan pasta dish combining tender chicken seasoned with Cajun spices, sautéed in a rich lemon butter sauce with garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan. Bowtie pasta and broccoli finish the dish, making a comforting yet vibrant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Author: Lena
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 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
2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

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
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 bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 9-11 minutes. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli. Set aside.
Season and Cook Chicken: In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in the chopped fresh parsley and chives. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Toss: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and create a creamy texture. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken warm, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese, additional fresh parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor in the sauce.
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; adding it towards the end of pasta cooking keeps it tender-crisp.
If needed, substitute gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten free.
Reserve pasta water carefully, as it helps to create a silky sauce when combined with butter and cheese.
This dish can be made dairy-free by substituting butter with olive oil and omitting Parmesan cheese or using a dairy-free alternative.

Keywords: lemon chicken pasta, Cajun chicken, bowtie pasta recipe, broccoli pasta dinner, one pan chicken pasta, cowboy butter sauce