Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned with Cajun spices and tossed with garlic lemon butter sauce, bowtie pasta, and crunchy broccoli. It’s a delightful combination that’s sure to become a family favorite.

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 the pasta and broccoli. 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 from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the 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, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything to coat well in the sauce, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and combined.
Step 5: Serve the dish warm with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice on top for added brightness.

Tips & Variations

For milder heat, omit the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the Cajun seasoning.
You can swap bowtie pasta with penne or rotini depending on your preference.
Adding a splash of white wine to the butter sauce adds an extra layer of flavor.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest texture and best flavor.

Storage

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

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 well and add extra juiciness. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

What can I substitute for fresh herbs?

If fresh parsley and chives aren’t available, you can use 1 teaspoon each of dried herbs, but add them earlier in the cooking to allow time for flavor release.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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4.5 from 87 reviews

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a vibrant, flavorful one-skillet dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and crisp broccoli florets all tossed in a rich lemon butter sauce with garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese. This recipe balances spicy, tangy, and creamy elements to create a comforting yet fresh meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.

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

Sauce and Garnishes

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
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)

Pasta and Vegetables

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Cook Pasta and Broccoli: 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 to the boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli, then set them 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 large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare Cowboy Butter Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in chopped fresh parsley and chives, and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat in the lemon butter sauce thoroughly. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and all ingredients are well combined.
Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken warm. Top with extra Parmesan cheese, additional parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

For extra heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Cajun seasoning.
Gluten-free pasta can be substituted to make this recipe gluten-free.
Reserve pasta water is essential to achieve the creamy sauce texture without adding cream.
Chicken should be cooked thoroughly but not overcooked to remain juicy and tender.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Chicken pasta, lemon butter chicken, Cajun chicken, bowtie pasta recipe, broccoli pasta, one skillet dinner, easy weeknight meal