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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/cowboy-butter-lemon-bowtie-chicken-with-broccoli-recipe/