Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a vibrant and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with zesty lemon butter sauce and fresh broccoli. Paired with bowtie pasta and a hint of Cajun spice, it’s a flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.

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
• Zest and juice 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 more for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli and set aside.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Step 7: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
8. Step 8: Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped herbs.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, omit the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the Cajun seasoning.
• Swap broccoli for other vegetables like asparagus or green beans based on your preference.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
• Add a splash of white wine when cooking the garlic butter sauce for extra depth.

Storage

Store 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 needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well for quick meals.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will work well with this sauce and ingredients.

Is this dish gluten-free?

This recipe uses regular pasta, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 94 reviews

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli recipe combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken pieces with al dente bowtie pasta and fresh broccoli florets. Tossed in a creamy, zesty lemon butter sauce enriched with garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs, this dish delivers a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Mia
• 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 1x2x3x

For the Chicken

• 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

For the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta & Veggies

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli and set aside.
2. Season Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Toss Everything Together: Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the chicken and pasta perfectly.
7. Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped herbs if desired.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
• Use fresh parsley and chives for the best flavor in the sauce.
• You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred; adjust cook time accordingly.
• If you want a lighter version, reduce the butter to 4 tablespoons and use reduced-fat Parmesan cheese.
• Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to create a smooth, creamy sauce by loosening it without adding extra oil or cream.

Keywords: bowtie pasta recipe, lemon butter chicken, Cajun chicken recipe, easy stovetop dinner, broccoli pasta skillet, creamy lemon sauce chicken, quick chicken pasta