Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful, comforting dish combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and al dente pasta tossed in a zesty lemon butter sauce. This easy recipe brings bold Cajun spices and bright citrus together for a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

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

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, omit the crushed red pepper flakes or adjust to your spice preference.
• Swap bowtie pasta for penne or rotini if you prefer a different shape that holds sauce well.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or thyme if parsley or chives aren’t available.
• To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and double-check seasonings.

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 restore sauce creaminess. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking, just like fresh broccoli, to ensure it cooks through without becoming mushy.

What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, try a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and thyme to create a similar blend. Adjust the cayenne for desired heat.