Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli
This Easy Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a creamy, zesty, and utterly delicious one-pan meal! Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and farfalle pasta are coated in a rich, buttery lemon sauce with a hint of spice. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights. For another delicious chicken and pasta dish, try our Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 620kcal
Equipment
- Large Skillet For cooking chicken and making sauce.
- Large Pot For cooking pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in mustard, lemon juice, zest, parsley, and chives. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Add broccoli during the last 3-4 minutes. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli together.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add pasta and broccoli. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Season to taste.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Notes
Pro Tips: Reserve pasta water – it's the secret to a silky, cohesive sauce. Cook pasta al dente. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor. Don't overcook the garlic. For a richer sauce, use high-quality European-style butter. This dish is easily customizable – add mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or a pinch more red pepper flakes for heat.