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A white pasta bowl filled with Cowboy Butter lemon bowtie chicken and vibrant green broccoli florets. The farfalle pasta is coated in a glossy garlic butter sauce, topped with fresh parsley, chives, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese

Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli

Cajun-seasoned chicken, bowtie pasta, and broccoli tossed in a bold garlic lemon butter sauce with Dijon, fresh herbs, and Parmesan. A satisfying one-pan dinner ready in 40 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American

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 zested and juiced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets added to pasta pot in last 2 to 3 minutes
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water scoop out before draining
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta to al dente according to package directions. Add broccoli florets in the last 2 to 3 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Drain and set aside.
  2. Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer, sear undisturbed for 2 minutes, then cook for 6 to 7 minutes total until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside, leaving browned bits in the pan.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and melt, scraping up the browned bits. Add minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in parsley and chives.
  4. Return chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce loosens and clings to the pasta.
  5. Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

Do not rush the chicken sear. Reserve pasta water before draining. Add broccoli in the last 2 to 3 minutes of pasta cooking for tender-crisp texture. Add pasta water slowly and stop when the sauce reaches the right consistency. Chicken thighs can replace breasts with 1 to 2 extra minutes cook time. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.