Name: Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 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 to taste; Black pepper to taste; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tbsp olive oil (For cooking chicken); 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta; 2 cups broccoli florets; 6 tbsp unsalted butter; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping); 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce consistency)

Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and crisp broccoli come together in a zesty, buttery sauce with a hint of Cajun spice. It’s both comforting and bright, sure to become a family favorite.

The image shows a close-up of a dish with several layers of food on a white plate. The bottom layer consists of bowtie pasta in a light golden color, slightly glossy and textured by the sauce. On top of the pasta is a creamy, beige-colored sauce with small pieces of browned ground meat mixed in. Scattered throughout the dish are bright green broccoli florets, adding a fresh contrast. The top layer is covered with melted cheese, golden and bubbly in places, giving a rich and inviting look. Some finely chopped herbs are sprinkled over the cheese and around the edges. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the texture and colors of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

2 cups broccoli florets

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)

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)

6 tbsp unsalted butter (for the sauce)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)

1/2 cup reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and broccoli. Set aside.

Step 2: In a bowl, 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, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Using the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the chopped parsley and chives, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired sauce consistency.

Step 7: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined.

Step 8: Serve the dish warm, topped with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and an optional squeeze of lemon juice.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.

Swap bowtie pasta for penne or rotini if preferred.

Add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.

Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it during the last few minutes of pasta cooking as you would fresh, and be sure to drain well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and increase the broccoli or add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. You can also add plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh for extra substance.