Introduction

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, zesty lemon butter sauce, and vibrant broccoli with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. It’s an easy, satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.

The image shows a white plate filled with bowtie pasta at the bottom layer, pale yellow in color and softly textured. On top, there are multiple pieces of grilled chicken with a golden-brown, slightly crispy surface, cooked with small red and green herb bits visible. Scattered broccoli florets with bright green color and a tender look are arranged evenly around the chicken and pasta. The whole dish looks warm and inviting, sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
Zest and juice 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 more for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Step 2: Add broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
Step 3: Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 5: Lower heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 6: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat well. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.
Step 8: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley and chives.
Step 9: Serve warm with extra Parmesan and herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your taste.
Use pasta water gradually to create a silky, smooth sauce without making it too watery.
Swap broccoli for asparagus or fresh spinach for a different vegetable twist.
For extra richness, finish the sauce with a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce creamy and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with creamy pasta and broccoli. The pasta is bowtie-shaped, pale yellow in color, and spread evenly across the plate's base. On top of the pasta, there are several pieces of grilled chicken, golden brown with visible grill marks and a slight glaze, arranged in layers. Bright green broccoli florets are placed around the chicken, adding a fresh contrast. The creamy sauce coats the pasta lightly, giving it a smooth texture with some herbs sprinkled on the chicken for extra color. The whole dish rests on a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta instead of bowtie?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.

Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat depending on the amount of crushed red pepper flakes used, which are optional. You can omit or reduce them for a milder flavor.