Description

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful, creamy, and zesty pasta dish featuring juicy, seasoned chicken pieces sautéed to perfection, tender broccoli florets, and a rich lemon butter sauce infused with garlic, mustard, and fresh herbs. This hearty and flavorful meal is ideal for busy weeknights, delivering a satisfying balance of protein, vegetables, and pasta all in one pan.

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

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Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie (farfalle) pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water to blanch until tender-crisp. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli together.
Make the Cowboy Butter Lemon Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and optional crushed red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Allow the sauce to simmer gently to combine the flavors.
Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and broccoli, stirring to coat everything evenly in the lemon butter sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir in chopped parsley, chives, and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve: Plate the creamy cowboy butter lemon bowtie chicken with broccoli warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy immediately as a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency—it helps make the sauce creamy and smooth.
Feel free to swap broccoli with other vegetables like asparagus or green beans based on your preference.
Ensure chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.