Description

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful, creamy pasta dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken seasoned with Cajun spices and sautéed to golden perfection. Combined with al dente bowtie pasta and crisp broccoli florets, it’s tossed in a luscious lemony butter sauce enriched with Parmesan and fresh herbs for a comforting yet vibrant dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

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 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

Pasta and Vegetables

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups broccoli florets

Sauce and Garnish

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)

Instructions

Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the pot. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
Seasoning the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat evenly.
Cooking Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Making the Sauce: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in the chopped parsley and chives, seasoning the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Combining Ingredients: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Pour in reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a creamy consistency.
Finishing Touch: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends smoothly with the sauce. Serve the dish warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference; reduce or omit crushed red pepper flakes for less heat.
Reserve pasta water is crucial for loosening the sauce and achieving the perfect creamy texture.
Substitute broccoli with other green vegetables like asparagus or green beans if preferred.
For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream when combining ingredients.
Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

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

Keywords: chicken pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, lemon butter chicken, Cajun chicken, broccoli pasta, creamy pasta dishes, quick chicken dinner