Description
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and crisp broccoli all tossed in a bright, buttery lemon sauce with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. This recipe strikes a perfect balance between quick weeknight dinners and elegant meals for entertaining.
Ingredients
For the 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 and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Cowboy Butter Lemon 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
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta & Veggies:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 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 the pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- Season and Cook Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. 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 chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in chopped parsley and chives. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat all ingredients. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and everything is evenly combined.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and an optional squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness.
Notes
- Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency; it helps make the sauce silky and cling to the pasta better.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
- To add more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
