Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken bites are seasoned with Cajun spices and tossed with pasta and broccoli in a rich, buttery lemon sauce. It’s creamy, zesty, and satisfying in every bite.

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 chicken 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 chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: Lower heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
7. Step 7: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
8. Step 8: Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful bite.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth.
• If you prefer less spice, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
• For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, other short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells work well. Just adjust cooking time according to package instructions.

Is the dish spicy?

The spice level is mild to moderate and comes from the Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. You can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder dish.

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 132 reviews

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and hearty skillet dish combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and fresh broccoli all coated in a rich, zesty lemon butter sauce enriched with garlic, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both comforting and bright with a hint of spice.

• 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. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli. Set aside.
2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat well with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and create a creamy texture.
6. Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy, coating all components evenly.
7. Serve: Serve the dish warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor; dried herbs can also be substituted but use less.
• Reserve pasta water as it helps the sauce adhere better to pasta and adds a silky texture.
• Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Cowboy Butter, Lemon Chicken, Bowtie Pasta, Broccoli, Cajun Chicken, Skillet Dinner, Quick Dinner, Easy Weeknight Meal