Go Back
Cowboy Butter Lemon Chicken with pasta and broccoli in a skillet

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a creamy, zesty pasta dinner made with juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and a rich lemon butter sauce—perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 680
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • 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

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  3. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  5. Lower heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  6. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed.
  8. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Notes

Pasta water helps create a silky sauce—add it slowly. Leftovers reheat best with a splash of water or broth.
QR Code linking back to recipe