Name: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 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

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken seasoned with Cajun spices is tossed in a rich lemon butter sauce alongside bowtie pasta and vibrant broccoli. It’s creamy, tangy, and satisfying in every bite.

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with layers of pasta and chicken. The bottom layer is bowtie pasta that is pale yellow with a soft texture. On top of the pasta, there are several pieces of grilled chicken, golden brown with a slightly crispy texture and sprinkled with herbs. Around the chicken and pasta, there are small broccoli florets in bright green, adding freshness and color contrast. The whole dish looks warm and inviting with a mix of smooth pasta, crispy chicken, and crunchy broccoli. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 5: Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach a silky sauce consistency.
Step 7: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 8: Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley and chives.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
Reserve pasta water carefully; it helps create a velvety sauce that clings to the pasta and chicken.
Swap broccoli for asparagus or spinach for a different vegetable twist.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

A white plate filled with farfalle pasta at the bottom, pale yellow in color and slightly glossy, topped with several grilled chicken pieces that are golden brown with a charred texture and sprinkled with green herbs, interspersed with bright green broccoli florets, all arranged neatly. The surface under the plate is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While bowtie pasta is recommended for its texture, you can easily substitute penne, rotini, or fusilli without altering the recipe’s flavor.

How do I make this dish less spicy?

Simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce them to a pinch. The Cajun seasoning will still provide plenty of flavor without too much heat.