Creamy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Creamy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe because it perfectly combines rich, buttery flavors with a bright, zesty kick from fresh lemon. The tender chicken bits tossed with bowtie pasta and vibrant broccoli make for a colorful, satisfying meal that I can whip up quickly on busy nights. This dish has become one of my go-to comfort foods when I want something that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

I have to say, this recipe hits such a fantastic balance of flavors. The creamy butter sauce feels indulgent without being heavy, and the lemon zest and juice add such a refreshing brightness that lifts the whole dish. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of warmth and complexity to the chicken, making every bite exciting. When I make this, I always feel like I’m treating myself to something special, even on an ordinary weeknight.

One of the best things about this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. I appreciate meals that don’t require a ton of complicated steps or unusual ingredients—and this one fits the bill perfectly. While the sauce simmers, you can boil the pasta and steam the broccoli, so everything comes together in under 40 minutes. That makes it wonderful for those days when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Another reason I’m so excited to recommend the Creamy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for casual family dinners, but also elegant enough to serve when friends drop by unexpectedly. The mix of protein, veggies, and pasta hits all the right notes, and the butter sauce adds that little touch of comfort food magic that makes people smile at the table.

Ingredients You'll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe calls for simple, easily found staples, yet they come together to create an incredible medley of textures and flavors. The combination of fresh herbs, spices, and lemon not only enhances the taste but also adds vibrant color and freshness to the dish.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
• Cajun seasoning: Adds a delicious smoky, slightly spicy kick without overpowering the dish.
• Garlic powder and smoked paprika: These deepen the savory flavor profile of the chicken.
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden perfection.
• Unsalted butter: The star of the sauce that creates a luscious, creamy texture.
• Fresh garlic: Minced to infuse intense aromatic flavor into the sauce.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat that balances the richness.
• Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang and complexity to the sauce.
• Lemon zest and juice: Brightens the dish with fresh citrus notes.
• Fresh parsley and chives: Provide herbal freshness and color.
• Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: Perfectly shaped to hold onto the sauce.
• Broccoli florets: Add a tender crunch and vibrant green touch.
• Reserved pasta water: Helps loosen the sauce to a silky consistency.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty finish that complements the creaminess.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by seasoning your chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give them a good toss so every piece is coated evenly with the spices.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic, and if you like a little heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden but not burnt.

Step 4: Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to marry those bold flavors. Then add the fresh parsley and chives, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. When the pasta is nearly done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water during the last 2-3 minutes to steam them tender yet crisp. Drain the pasta and broccoli, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.

Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with your lemon butter sauce. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli as well. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the ingredients beautifully.

Step 7: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese to melt through and bring everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan for an irresistible finishing touch.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 generous servings, which is perfect for a family dinner or for planning leftovers. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, with about 30 minutes cooking time, for a total time of around 40 minutes. This makes it a fantastic option for weeknight meals when you want a hearty, flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen. No resting or cooling time is required, so you can serve it hot and fresh right away.

How to Serve This Creamy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

When I serve this dish, I like to highlight the vibrant colors and fresh herbs by garnishing it with an extra sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives. A little Parmesan dusted on top right before serving adds an elegant touch that guests always appreciate. I find it’s best enjoyed hot or warm to really savor the creamy lemon butter sauce in all its glory.

This meal pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. If you want to add more veggies, consider roasting some cherry tomatoes on the side for their sweet acidity—it complements that Cajun-spiced chicken beautifully. For drinks, I adore serving this with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with a lemon wedge to mirror the citrus brightness.

Whether I’m making it for a cozy family dinner or casual entertaining, I always keep portion sizes generous because the combination of creamy sauce, protein, pasta, and broccoli is just so satisfying. It’s one of those meals that feels both comforting and a little celebratory, which makes it special every single time.

Variations

I love tweaking this recipe depending on my mood or what’s in my pantry. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter for a plant-based margarine or olive oil and skip the Parmesan, or try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. To make it gluten-free, just swap the bowtie pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta shape—it still works beautifully.

If you’re in the mood to switch up the flavor profile, try adding smoked sausage instead of chicken or use turkey for a leaner protein option. For more heat, you can increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne. Another fun variation is to roast the broccoli instead of steaming it to bring in a smoky caramelized flavor, which contrasts nicely with the tangy lemon sauce.

As for cooking methods, I sometimes bake the chicken pieces in the oven with the Cajun seasoning to free up the stovetop for making the sauce and pasta simultaneously. You can also prepare the sauce ahead of time and gently reheat when ready to serve, making this recipe great for meal prep or busy schedules.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I transfer the Creamy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for about 3 to 4 days. I find glass containers with tight lids work best to preserve freshness and prevent any unwanted moisture buildup.

Freezing

This dish freezes okay, but I prefer to freeze the chicken and pasta without the broccoli since steamed broccoli can become mushy after thawing. To freeze, place the cooled chicken and pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and stir frequently to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen as it can dry out the chicken and make the pasta gummy. Heating slowly helps restore the creamy texture and bright lemon flavor so it tastes almost as good as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of bowtie?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta holds the sauce well and looks pretty, you can use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape to ensure it reaches al dente perfection.

Is the Cajun seasoning very spicy?

The Cajun seasoning in this recipe is generally mild to medium spicy, but you can control the heat level by adjusting the amount used. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less seasoning or choose a seasoning blend without cayenne pepper.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken a day ahead, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta and steamed broccoli when you’re ready to eat. This makes it great for meal prep or busy weeknights when time is tight.

What can I substitute for fresh herbs if I don’t have them?

If you don’t have fresh parsley or chives, dried herbs work in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. However, fresh herbs give a bright, fresh finish that really elevates the dish, so I recommend grabbing them if possible.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! The creamy, buttery sauce and tender chicken tend to be kid-friendly flavors. If your children are sensitive to spice, just omit the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the Cajun seasoning. The pasta and broccoli also add good nutrition, making it a balanced meal.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend trying this Creamy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe enough. It’s one of those feel-good dishes that’s surprisingly simple to make yet packed with flavor and satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining friends, or treating yourself after a long day, this meal delivers warmth, creaminess, and a touch of zest that always hits the spot. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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