Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and vibrant broccoli in a zesty lemon butter sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and bright.

A white plate holds a pasta dish with three main layers. The bottom layer is light yellow bowtie pasta, softly cooked and spread out. On top of the pasta, there is a creamy sauce mixed with small pieces of browned chicken. The sauce is light orange and shiny, covering the chicken and pasta. The top layer consists of grilled chicken pieces that have a golden-brown char and melted melted cheese with some herbs sprinkled on top. Bright green broccoli florets add color contrast, scattered over the dish. Small red and green herb bits are dotted on the surface, enhancing the texture and color. The plate sits on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
Salt and black pepper, to taste
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

Step 1: 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 the broccoli florets. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli and set aside.
Step 2: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook chicken for 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in chopped parsley and chives, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Step 5: Serve the dish warm, topped with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and an additional squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, omit the crushed red pepper flakes or use less Cajun seasoning.
Swap broccoli for asparagus or green beans for a different vegetable twist.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Leftover sauce can be saved to toss with other cooked pasta or grilled vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well chilled for quick meals later.

How to Serve

The dish shows three main layers, starting with a base layer of light yellow farfalle pasta pieces arranged loosely on a white plate. On top of the pasta, there are small pieces of bright green broccoli and red cubes, scattered around. The top layer consists of golden-brown grilled chicken chunks covered with a creamy light brown sauce that has flecks of black pepper and melted orange cheese, garnished with small green parsley leaves. The texture appears creamy with a slight gloss on the sauce and a mix of soft and firm elements. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked but not overdone.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a plant-based butter and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.