Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful, one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and fresh broccoli in a creamy, zesty sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it delivers a delightful balance of Cajun spices, lemon brightness, and rich butter to satisfy your craving for comfort food with a twist.

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. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli together. Set aside.

Step 2: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat evenly.

Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large 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 the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

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

Step 6: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a creamy consistency.

Step 7: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce that coats all the ingredients well.

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

Tips & Variations

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

Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful protein option.

Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for extra crunch and richness.

Use gluten-free pasta if you prefer a gluten-free meal.

For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half with the Parmesan cheese.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it during the last few minutes of pasta cooking just as you would fresh broccoli to ensure it cooks through but stays tender-crisp.

Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate spice level from the Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amounts or omit the red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.

Dinner

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe