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Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 108 reviews

This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful, creamy pasta dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with Cajun spices and tossed in a rich lemon butter sauce. Combined with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta and fresh broccoli florets, this one-pan stovetop meal offers a delightful balance of zesty, savory, and creamy flavors that make for a hearty and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and broccoli and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Prepare the cowboy butter lemon sauce: Lower the skillet heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Combine ingredients: Return the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually as needed to loosen the sauce and create a silky consistency.
  6. Finish with cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce becomes creamy.
  7. Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the dish.
  • The reserved pasta water helps create a silky, smooth sauce—add it slowly to get your desired consistency.
  • Leftovers reheat best when combined with a splash of water or broth to maintain creaminess.
  • You can substitute broccoli with asparagus or spinach based on preference or availability.

Keywords: Butter chicken, Lemon pasta, Bowtie pasta recipe, Cajun chicken, Creamy chicken pasta, Broccoli pasta, One-pan dinner

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/cowboy-butter-lemon-bowtie-chicken-with-broccoli-recipe/