Description
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavor-packed, zesty, buttery pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a bold cowboy butter sauce bursting with garlic, lemon, herbs, and spice. A comforting, bright, weeknight-friendly meal!
Ingredients
-
- 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
-
- 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
- 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
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Add broccoli florets to the pot during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and chives. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir in the pasta and broccoli along with reserved pasta water.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream to the cowboy butter sauce.
- Swap broccoli with asparagus, spinach, or green beans.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier bites.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to control heat level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American