Description
Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a creamy, zesty pasta dinner featuring juicy, seasoned chicken pieces, tender broccoli florets, and bowtie pasta all tossed in a rich lemon butter sauce. This flavorful and comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights, with a delightful balance of spice, freshness, and creaminess.
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
- 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
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly to ensure bold, balanced flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat well. Add the reserved pasta water gradually as needed to create a silky, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Mix in chopped fresh parsley and chives for added freshness and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired for a rich and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Slowly add pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that binds the ingredients.
- Leftovers reheat best when warmed with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
- Feel free to swap broccoli for asparagus or spinach based on what you have or prefer.
