Description

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful, creamy pasta dish combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and vibrant broccoli florets in a zesty lemon butter sauce enriched with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy skillet meal balances spice, richness, and freshness for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups broccoli florets

Pasta

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Seasonings and Spices

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

Cooking Oils and Dairy

2 tbsp olive oil (For cooking chicken)
6 tbsp unsalted butter (For the sauce)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Plus extra for topping)

Other

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

Instructions

Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
Cook Broccoli: In the last 3 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
Season Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, tossing to coat evenly.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet on medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Flavorings: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in chopped parsley and chives, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in the sauce evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
Finish with Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined with the pasta and chicken.
Serve: Plate the dish warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese, additional fresh parsley, and an optional squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
Reserve pasta water is essential for thinning out the sauce and helping it cling to pasta.
Use fresh herbs like parsley and chives for better flavor and color.
For a milder dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size to cook evenly.
This recipe can be customized by swapping broccoli for other vegetables like asparagus or green beans.

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

Keywords: Cowboy Butter Chicken, Bowtie Pasta, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Lemon Butter Sauce, One-Pan Pasta Dinner, Broccoli Pasta, Easy Chicken Dinner