Description

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful one-pan dish combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and fresh broccoli, all coated in a rich lemon butter sauce accented with garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. It’s a vibrant and satisfying meal perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

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

Sauce

6 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
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

Pasta and Vegetables

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Cheese and Garnish

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

Instructions

Cook the pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
Prepare and cook the chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the lemon butter sauce: Using the same skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in the fresh parsley and chives. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat with the lemon butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the ingredients evenly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Serve: Transfer the pasta and chicken to serving plates. Top with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and an additional squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli!

Notes

To make this dish spicier, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
You can substitute bowtie pasta with penne or fusilli if preferred.
For a dairy-free version, omit the butter and Parmesan and use olive oil and nutritional yeast instead.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to keep it crisp and vibrant.

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

Keywords: Chicken pasta, lemon butter sauce, Cajun chicken, bowtie pasta, broccoli pasta, quick dinner, one pan meal