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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

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A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy garlic-lemon sauce, served over bowtie pasta with broccoli.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. In the last 3 minutes, add the broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté for 6–7 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  4. Create the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, parsley, and chives. Season to taste.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return the pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet, tossing everything in the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen if necessary, and stir in Parmesan cheese.
  6. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and lemon zest.

Notes

For a lighter version, consider substituting butter with olive oil. This dish can also be made with different pasta shapes or proteins like shrimp or tofu.

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