Description

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and hearty one-pan dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and vibrant broccoli florets all tossed in a luscious lemon butter sauce with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that balances spice, tanginess, and creaminess in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust according to spice preference)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)

Pasta and Vegetables

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups broccoli florets

Sauce and Garnish

6 tbsp unsalted butter (for the sauce)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce consistency)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil in preparation for cooking the pasta and broccoli.
Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Add the bowtie pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining pasta and broccoli together, then set aside.
Season Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Toss to coat evenly.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. 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 chopped parsley and chives. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly with the lemon butter sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
Finish with Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined with all ingredients.
Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best tangy flavor in the sauce.
If sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it.
Can substitute chicken with shrimp or turkey for variation.
Fresh herbs like parsley and chives add a vibrant finish but can be omitted if unavailable.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: lemon butter chicken, bowtie pasta recipe, Cajun chicken pasta, broccoli pasta dish, quick stovetop dinner