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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 145 reviews

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful, comforting dish combining tender seasoned chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and fresh broccoli florets all coated in a rich, garlicky lemon butter sauce. The Cajun spices add a touch of boldness, perfectly balanced by the zesty lemon and creamy Parmesan to create a satisfying meal ideal for a wholesome dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • Zest and juice 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 more for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, adding broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Season Chicken: In a medium bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  3. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. Make Lemon Butter Sauce: Lower heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Return cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.
  6. Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce turns creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley and chives. Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level of the dish.
  • Adding reserved pasta water gradually helps create a silky, cohesive sauce.
  • Leftovers reheat best with a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess.
  • You can substitute broccoli with asparagus or spinach for a different vegetable option.
  • Cauliflower can also be used as a broccoli substitute and works well either roasted or sautéed.

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

Find it online: https://deliciousdishspot.com/cowboy-butter-lemon-bowtie-chicken-with-broccoli-recipe/