Description

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and fresh broccoli tossed in a rich, lemony butter sauce with Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines zesty, creamy, and savory flavors with a hint of spice.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp Cajun seasoning (Adjust according to spice preference)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta and Vegetables

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
2 cups broccoli florets

Sauce and Garnish

1 tsp Dijon mustard
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil (For cooking chicken)
6 tbsp unsalted butter (For the sauce)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (To adjust sauce consistency)

Instructions

Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling water. 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 black pepper. Mix well to ensure even coating.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and zest. Mix in chopped parsley and chives, then season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat well with the buttery lemon sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.
Finish with Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and evenly combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Serve the dish warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and an additional squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Notes

Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce and achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Use fresh herbs like parsley and chives for a vibrant, fresh flavor addition.
If you prefer, substitute broccoli with other vegetables like asparagus or green beans.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta instead of bowtie pasta.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cajun chicken pasta, lemon butter chicken, bowtie pasta recipe, broccoli chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner